Aston Villa have announced plans to increase the capacity of their Villa Park stadium to 60,000, should the club return to the Premier League, reports the Express and Star.

Chief executive Keith Wyness revealed that talks had taken place between the club and Birmingham City Council, with six potential options being explored.

The move is in line with the masterplan of Chinese owner Dr Tony Xia, who is aiming to transform the West Midlands outfit into one of the best sides in the European game.

An increase in stadium size and facilities would increase both match-day and non match-day revenue, with updated corporate facilities a possibility in the plans.

The move would increase the capacity of the 120-year-old-ground by nearly a third, making it one of the largest venues in the United Kingdom, on par with Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

Wyness also revealed that Xia plans to follow the ‘Manchester City’ model, and is in talks with several clubs around the world over potential take-overs.

The establishment of a network of Xia owned clubs would allow for Villa to pluck the best talent from countries across the globe, as well as provide an excellent outlet for the Villains young guns to gain excellent first team experience.

The move would all see the club expand their plan globally, which will be vital in Xia’s quest to turn the club into one of the leaders in world football, both on and off the pitch.

The Verdict: Tony Xia’s plans are extremely ambitious, and fans of the club will be excited by the prospect of an increase in capacity at Villa Park, and intrigue will build around the takeover of foreign clubs.

Villa frequently filled Villa Park’s near 42,000 capacity during the Premier League era, and average crowds of around 32,000 last year suggest the club could attract double that attendance, if success on the field begins to materialise.

There is certainly the fan base in Birmingham for the club to fill out a 60,000 seater, and the ambition shown by Xia truly is exciting.

Villa haven’t had much to cheer about following their relegation from the Premier League, but if their chairman has anything to do with it, the club will be back in Europe within the next five years.

Villa fans, could you easily fill out a 60,000 seater?