Tony Xia close to sealing Villa take-over
Boss Roberto Di Matteo's summer rebuild at Aston Villa is poised to begin in earnest this week with Tony Xia set to be confirmed as the club's new owner.
Xia was due to meet with Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey in London this morning, ahead of his £75million buy-out being given the green light.
Di Matteo, the claret and blues' new manager, will be given up to £50million to spend to revamp the squad, with Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick among several targets.
Both Di Matteo and Xia will be unveiled to the press once the takeover is confirmed. The final make-up of the club's new-look board should also be announced.
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness is expected to take a prominent position, while Brian Little is also expected to be kept on in an advisory role.
Xia is also planning to appoint a technical director in order to improve their record in the transfer market, a move which has the blessing of Di Matteo.
Meanwhile, winger Charles N'Zogbia and midfielder Kieran Richardson have left the club after their contracts expired, while reports in France suggest Jordan Veretout has declared his intention to leave.
