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Aston Villa will be in the hands of new owners within the next fortnight, writes Neil Moxley in the Sunday People.

The former European champions, who will start next season in the Championship, are entering the final phase of a £100million sale to a Chinese investment group.

Chairman Steve Hollis confirmed that talks were progressing on Friday but Sunday People Sport understands discussions are far more advanced and that the finishing line is now well within sight.

Current owner Randy Lerner has been desperate to cut his losses for some time and various suitors, again first reported here two months ago, have been circling the club.

Villa have been anxious to keep details under wraps but Lerner’s successors have been at the club all week finalising the deal and were present at Saturday's home match against Newcastle which finished 0-0.

In pictures: Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle

However, while the club has been crying out for a fresh vision and an injection of cash, the group are understood to be venture capitalists – and, as such, will be demanding a return.

This private equity firm has studied the success at Leicester and believes it can, with the right people in charge of the club, make some cash of its own.

Such an outlook is in stark contrast to Lerner who, for all his disastrous decade in charge, has taken a mammoth £275m loss.

(Image: Reuters) (Image: REUTERS)

The takeover talks have stalled any announcement over a permanent manager – although sources at Villa Park have confirmed the new owners will have input on the appointment.

It appears certain that hot favourite Nigel Pearson will be given the go-ahead to return to the game, following the year he has spent on the sidelines watching his former club Leicester create history by lifting the Premier League trophy.