Aston Villa - ONeill to take the reigns?

Solihull businessman Neville attempted to buy the club when current chairman Doug Ellis put it up for sale last season. But the bid, made by a consortium which included Neville and Irish property developers the Comer Brothers, fell through. However, Neville has cited that he has the necessary backers in place to accelerate the proposed purchase of the club - the identity of the backers have yet to be disclosed - and that, if a deal is to be done, he anticipates that it will be completed soon. If Ellis were to resist and stay at the helm at Villa Park - something which the long-suffering fans will be hoping doesn't happen - then it is thought that he is likely to approach his friend Graeme Souness, who was sacked by Newcastle in January. The Scotsman is a best-priced 12/1 with Bet Direct and Coral to land the job. Alan Curbishley was initially being mooted as the likely successor to O'Leary, but recent developments have seen his price for the top job at Villa Park drift out to as big as 13/2 (Paddy Power), although Ladbrokes still make the ex-Charlton boss a 3/1 chance.