glory or bankruptcy awaits; and could there be anyone better
to hand a blank chequebook to than David O’Leary?
A statement to the Stock Exchange read:
"The directors of Aston Villa PLC announced on 14 July, 2003
that the chairman had received unsolicited approaches by
telephone from intermediaries acting for parties who might
be interested in acquiring shares in the company.
"Those calls were speculative in nature and no further
details were available at that date.
"In the light of further media speculation, the directors
can confirm that discussions have now been held with
intermediaries acting on behalf of one of the parties.
"However, details of the principals concerned or sufficient
evidence of the firm availability of funds have still not
been received. Accordingly, the directors conclude that any
such interest continues to be treated as highly
speculative."
Venezuelan billionaire Gustavo Cisneros is reportedly
interested in the club.