Aston Villa owner Tony Xia is lining up a takeover of Danish minnows Lyngby , according to reports in Danish publication Tipsbladet.

The Chinese businessman is keen to expand the influence of the Villans in Europe, and has identified the Danish side as a potential feeder club from which players can be sourced and youngsters sent out on loan to gain valuable first-team experience.

The Danish side are close to entering administration, and Xia is keen to save the club from its troubles and affiliate them with his own.

Tipsbladet reports that Xia will provide the Danes with medium-term financing to keep the club afloat, before taking over the club on a permanent basis further down the line.

The Verdict

Purchasing a foreign club as an affiliate is becoming increasingly popular amongst the wealth of English football, and Xia has spotted an excellent opportunity to expand the Villa brand beyond these borders with a swoop for Lyngby.

Villa have a plethora of top talent fighting to break into the first-team, and allowing players to develop at their sister club could benefit the development of talent through the academy.

Manchester City have followed a similar route with the acquisitions of clubs in Australia and the U.S., and perhaps Lyngby will be the first of several clubs to be acquired by Xia in the coming years.

Villa fans, let us know your thoughts!