Aston Villa have confirmed they have received a "preliminary approach" to buy the club. A Russian consortium has been linked with Villa, amid claims that they would provide boss David O'Leary with �75m to strengthen his squad.
An Aston Villa plc statement to the Stock Exchange said that such claims were "inaccurate and unfounded".
But the statement confirmed: "The board has received a preliminary approach, which could lead to an offer."
Long-standing Villa chairman Doug Ellis has shown little inclination to sell his shareholding in the club.
During the summer Villa rejected a takeover bid from former Manchester City and Newcastle defender Ray Ranson. The rejection ended Ranson's interest but Villa's share price has climbed following his interest and the latest speculation.
On Monday it soared by 98.5p from its overnight price to 470p.
MMIX
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Let's draw up a shopping list of who we should buy with the �75m
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