Aston Villa to hold 'crisis talks' in New York

Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner has called a crisis meeting in New York next week to discuss the club's future.

The Midlands side's chief executive Tom Fox will be accompanied on the trip by sporting director Hendrik Almstadt for a strategic discussion on what can be done to arrest the club's steep decline.

The trio are expected to discuss the extent to which they can make use of the current transfer window to make signings that will boost their chances of Premier League survival.

The side are currently rooted to the bottom of the table some 11 points from safety following a league run of 19 games without a win.

Angry scenes met Villa's 1-1 draw in the FA Cup away at League Two outfit Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, with a police escort being required as the squad left Adams Park and allegations that senior players Brad Guzan and Joleon Lescott told fans to "fuck off".

Villa welcome Alan Pardew's Crystal Palace to Birmingham in their next Premier League match on Tuesday.