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EFL confirm talks with Aston Villa over club's cash crisis

The EFL have confirmed they are in discussions with Villa concerning the club's cash crisis.

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In a brief statement, the league confirmed they would be offering "practical assistance, where appropriate" as Villa look to fight their way through a financial storm.

A report in the Telegraph has claimed EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey is due to meet with club officials next week in order to get a clearer picture of their future plans.

The severe nature of Villa's financial plight came to light last week when it emerged they had been threatened with a winding-up order by HMRC, after missing a tax payment.

Their problems are also of huge concern to the EFL, with Villa due to pay several million pounds in transfer instalments to Championship rivals by the end of the month.

The league are eager to prevent a so-called "contagion effect", which would see other clubs affected by Villa's problems.

It is thought Harvey will request a business plan for next season and proof the club can fulfil its financial liabilities.

Failure to meet those financial obligations could see Villa threatened with a transfer embargo, one of several sanctions possible under EFL regulations.

Villa's troubles, which have been caused by owner Tony Xia's struggles to effectively fund the club, came to a head after their failure to reach the Premier League.

Though Xia was able to reach agreement with HMRC to stave off the immediate threat of administration, it still remains unclear whether the club has the funds to meet its next payroll and tax payment, due on or around June 22.

In a boost, the club on Wednesday announced the extension of their sponsorship deal with the Kindred Group.

The deal will see online casino 32Red become Villa's principal partner, with Unibet continuing as their official partner.

The former, who previously sponsored the club between 2006 and 2008, will now appear on home and away shirts.

Villa’s chief commercial officer, Luke Organ, said: “We are thrilled to be partnered with Kindred Group once again this season in a wider and more targeted partnership.

"The last 12 months has seen a fruitful relationship develop and we very much look forward to building on that for the seasons ahead.”