Two factions considering merger in bid for English Aston Villa

The consortium fronted by Nicholas Padfield QC has been approached by Michael Neville about the possibility of the two joining forces in the buyout attempt of English Aston Villa.

Padfield confirmed the approaches. The possibility of both consortiums merging became apparent with the news that Padfield is willing to entertain a meeting with the Solihull-based businessman.

Padfield, currently on holiday in Corsica, is due to meet the club's board Tuesday to discuss the preliminary inquiry he made on behalf of the AV06 consortium.

With the United States billionaire Randy Lerner resuming his interest in purchasing the club, a joint effort might benefit both Neville and Padfield's consortiums.

"The latest state of play is we have been approached by representatives from other consortia who have already put their hats in the ring," Padfield said. "One is a representative of Mr Neville.

"We are considering opening discussions with them but haven't taken a firm decision. Nothing is going to happen until I return at the end of the week. We haven't had serious discussions yet but an approach has been made to me and certainly I'm quite happy to arrange a meeting when I get back."

Neville's own consortium has believed to be lacking the financial backing to make a serious bid. That Padfield's group would consider the merger is a surprise.

There had been no indication that his group needed to strengthen its position. Padfield said, however, he has not received any feedback from Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis.

"I have had no discussions with Mr Ellis at all and all of us find it surprising that no one from the club has bothered to tell us what the position is as regards whether any formal offers have been made or indeed the position as regards appointing a manager," Padfield said.

"I am having meetings (with Ellis) next Tuesday. They will be one of a number of meetings but I don't anticipate we will be in a great rush to make a bid simply because we don't have all the relevant information on which to base it.

"One of the crucial issues is the extent to which Doug Ellis wants to retain a stake in the club, or whether he is prepared to sell his entire shareholding. The other critical issue is what the position is as regards the team manager – has one been appointed, is one going to be appointed, the nature of his contract etc. This will impact on the amount of finance available to buy new players."

Ellis' hopes of having Martin O'Neill in place before the club leaves for a nine-day pre-season trip to Germany and Holland tomorrow appear dim.

Talks with Lerner's financial advisers are continuing but, unless there are signs of progress and the American appears on the brink of taking over, it is highly unlikely O'Neill will agree to replace David O'Leary.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.