American billionaires linked with Aston Villa bid
A Villa buy-out is back on the cards amid news that two more American billionaires have discussed the project with Randy Lerner.
The US financiers Josh Harris and David Blitzer have a history in buying out and then reviving "distressed" sports businesses, and are now reckoned to be looking at a takeover of Villa. They are the latest in a lengthening number of names being linked to the club since Randy Lerner formally declared his intention to sell.
The news will be treated with caution by Villa fans who have now grown accustomed to hearing the club linked with fanciful investment projects which fail to materialise.
But Harris and Blitzer are business contacts of Lerner and reports from the States are adamant an investment has been discussed.
The pair have been leading figures in sport projects as well as having a lucrative stake in the American Idol TV series.
Separate investment groups, of which Harris is a partner, bought out NBA side Philadelphia 76ers for $280m in 2011 and NHL franchise New Jersey Devils for $320m last year.
