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Aston Villa could be under new ownership by the middle of July, according to reports.

Sky Sports have claimed that a takeover spearheaded by former Chelsea director Paul Smith could happen within two months.

Smith is reportedly in the process of studying the club's finances as he tries to complete a deal involving a small group of investors.

As part of a firm called Halo, the group are allegedly looking to buy Villa from Randy Lerner as well as stakes in Belgium, Italian and Portuguese clubs.

Sky Sports suggest that Smith, who left his job as Chelsea's groups business affairs director in 2007, has been working on the proposed deal since last March.

Former Arsenal and England player Tony Adams has also been linked to the bid in an advisory capacity.

Lerner bought Villa for around £60 million in 2006, but is thought to want £150 million for the club to recoup a chunk of his investment over the past nine years.

Can you spot yourself in the Villa Park crowd against West Ham?