Aston Villa fans have reacted with caution to reports that a consortium may launch a �45m bid for the club. A group of investors, including former Manchester City player Ray Ranson, have been linked with a takeover bid.
Villa Fans' Combined spokesman Jonathan Fear said: "If this is correct we would need to hear what they have to offer.
"We would not want to see Villa sold on the cheap but if there is a worthwhile offer this would be a prime time for chairman Doug Ellis to step aside."
Major shareholder Ellis has resisted any attempts to buy control of Villa and a �30m bid from a consortium, which included Ranson, was rejected 14 months ago.
Ellis has suffered health problems in recent weeks and is recovering from triple heart bypass surgery.
And Fear added: "This is an ideal time for Doug Ellis to walk away and save face. "This is nothing to do with fan pressure and I do hope Doug Ellis now does the best for himself, making sure his health is okay, and also that of the club in allowing a new dynamic group the chance to take Villa forward.
"I am sure any group moving into Aston Villa would be able to give him an honorary position.
"We hoped Doug would go, get himself back to good health for his retirement and stop holding Villa back.
"If Doug continues, he is leaving the club in limbo and in danger of becoming a mid-table Premiership team season after season - or even lower."
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I don't mean to be a pessimist, but wouldn't it be a risk for the club if this happened?
Match of the Day - Post-match interviews