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Takeover talk is still rife at Villa – but only in the stands.

Supporters continue to pepper club forums and social networks with chat about the changing hands of ownership. On match-days it’s still a hot topic, too.

Discussions in the boardroom, however, have gone quiet.

Events at Villa Park in recent months clearly indicate that a sale is not imminent – and maybe, more importantly, that it is not of paramount concern.

Around £15 million was made available this summer for transfers and wages, which signalled a change in times in the Midlands.

On top of the cash arrivals (Tom Cleverley’s loan deal is expected to be turned into a £7.5 million permanent move in January), chairman Randy Lerner handed manager Paul Lambert a new contract at the club until 2018.

Another statement of intent was naming Tom Fox as the club’s new CEO. Arsenal’s ex-chief commercial officer was carefully selected as a long-term replacement for Paul Faulkner and there is no suggestion whatsoever that he’s simply an interim appointment.

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Villa have also held regular talks with their prized assets in the hope of securing their long-term futures.First-teamers Gabby Agbonlahor and Alan Hutton have recently penned new deals, while talks are ongoing with Fabian Delph, Ron Vlaar and Jack Grealish.

It was feared the club’s key performers would leave if they were not offered new deals – an option that looked unlikely when Lerner revealed he wanted to sell up in May. Since then, Lambert has been quizzed about the future of the club on an almost weekly basis.

Fortunately, Lerner’s statement on the first day of pre-season training – which explained how, while he was still looking to sell, he would do his utmost to help Villa prosper – has helped fend off some of the awkward questions.

There’s no doubt that the US billionaire is more enthused this term. He made his first Villa Park appearance for more than two-and-a-half years against Arsenal a fortnight ago and has closely followed every other game.

His relationship with Lambert remains as positive as ever and the Scot has spoken publicly about how that is helping. It’s true that the club could, although highly unlikely in the short term, be sold at any point.

Rumours surfaced at the weekend suggesting that Lerner could be prepared to accept as little as £100 million for the club he has invested an estimated £250 million in. While the asking price may well be relaxed, he certainly seems in no immediate rush to get rid.

Going forward Lerner will continue to back his manager. The arrival of Cleverley brings hope that Villa are now back in a position to buy top-quality players once again.

The fine start has also boosted spirits and Fox has made an immediate impression with his slick and savvy ways at the club.

Inevitably, takeover talk will still continue but, for the time being, discussions are muted in the places that matter.