Aston Villa owner Tony Xia has accepted that he will not be able to retain full control of the club, with key decisions set to be made in the coming week.

That's the latest according to the Express & Star who revealed that a new owner or a significant minority investor will arrive.

They add that the owners cash-flow problems means he knows this is a necessary step to ensure the club don't fall into administration. If that did happen they would begin the new season with a points deduction which would be a major blow for Steve Bruce.

Villa's financial troubles have been well-documented since they failed to beat Fulham in the play-off final and they were served with a winding-up order from HMRC.

Further bills, including a payment too HMRC, are due this month and it's believed that Villa's ownership situation will be a lot clearer by then.

Xia has flown back to the UK in recent days which appears to suggest that something is imminent as well.

The Verdict

Villa fans will be glad when this saga is resolved one way or another and if Xia can't keep the club afloat then new investors are clearly needed.

They have to avoid going into administration as it would prolong this process and also give them a major problem next season with the deduction.

With the season starting in two and a half weeks it really is a disastrous position that Villa find themselves in and it can't go on.

Thoughts, Villa fans? Let us know in the comments below.