VILLA ON BRINK OF NEW YEAR TAKEOVER

By Ryan Ghee
December 23 2005

Michael Neville, the Aston Villa fan behind the proposed £64m takeover Aston Villa Football Club, has claimed that the deal could be completed before the new year.

Neville, who is representing Brian and Luke Comer of the Comer Group, an Irish property company, told the 'Birmingham Evening Mail' that "There is a possibility it could be completed by the new year."

Although the club has refused to comment on the matter, Mr Neville confirmed: "They have met with the chairman and I am still very upbeat about completion of the transaction.

"They (Brian and Luke Comer) have met with him and discussed a whole range of things. Mr Ellis has been most charming and accommodating and things are progressing well. Everything is very cordial."

Looking to the future of the club, Neville outlined the ambitions which he holds should the takeover be successful.

He said, "I think that Champions League football is a realistic possibility at Villa Park within three years. I would love to see them back in Europe."