By Ryan Ghee
January 12 2006

A source close to the consortium who are considering a big-money takeover at Villa Park has insisted that reports claiming the deal has collapsed are 'not true' and that the proposed takeover is 'still alive'. As reported on 'Unofficial Villa' yesterday, the 'Independent' newspaper claimed that the deal was all but dead and that negotiations between Doug Ellis and the Comer Group had been abandoned.

However, a source who is believed to be close to the Comer Group today claimed that negotiations are still ongoing and that the next two days will be crucial.

The unidentified source said, "The deal is still alive. Reports that the bid is off are not true but the next 48 hours are crucial."

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Aston Villa Football Club added, "We have not been informed of any change to the position. Our statement to the Stock Exchange (which says that the club have received a preliminary approach) still stands."