Aston Villa chairman Steve Hollis is reportedly on the verge of finalising the sale of the club to a Chinese consortium.

The Midlands outfit were put up for sale by American owner Randy Lerner in the summer of 2014.

According to Sky Sports News, Hollis has flown out to China to conclude talks with the consortium, who are believed to have spoken to former Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo about taking charge as manager.

Villa, who could complete the takeover by the weekend, have been without a permanent boss since the departure of Remi Garde, who failed to save the club from relegation in the Premier League.

Eric Black took interim charge of the team in March, but they were already doomed as the club could only win three of their 38 top-flight games.

The club amassed just 17 points throughout the entire campaign.