Aston Villa: Owner Randy Lerner focused on new season, not sale

Randy Lerner says he will not comment any further on the sale of Aston Villa until it has been completed

Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner says he is focused on preparing for the new season and will not be distracted by his attempts to sell the club.

The American put Villa up for sale in May, but has yet to find a buyer.

Lerner, 52, said: "My priority at this point in the summer, heading into the upcoming season, is that the Villa organisation's sole focus be football."

He still intends to sell the Premier League club and described the process as "productive".

Villa, who signed Switzerland defender Philippe Senderos and former England midfielder Joe Cole on free transfers this summer, returned to training on Monday.

Lerner said: "I committed to our manager (Paul Lambert) to become completely focused on the upcoming season should there be no agreement to sell by the time players and coaches return to training."

Villa begin the Premier League season at Stoke City on 16 August.