American billionaire Larry Ellison is favourite to buy Aston Villa.
The Daily Star says Ellison has emerged as the front runner for a £100m takeover.
The 71-year-old is ranked as the sixth richest man in the world with an estimated personal fortune of more £50bn after founding the technology multi-national Oracle.
He is a sports fanatic and has financed back-to-back America's Cup triumphs in yachting.
His financial team are believed to be ready to rubber-stamp a cut-price deal to take the club off the hands of current owner Randy Lerner.