Aston Villa could land a £30 million sponsorship windfall if they reach the Carling Cup final.

Villa are in talks with three multi-national companies over a five season package worth £5m in the first year and rising. And confirmation that Martin O'Neill's side are ready to mount a consistent challenge for major honours and European football would help seal the deal, says the Sunday Mirror.

Villa's commercial staff have been entertaining potential blue-chip clients at recent home games after owner Randy Lerner decided to change the club's sponsorship policy.

For the last two years he has donated the club's shirt advertising to charity in a ground-breaking tie-up with West Midlands children's hospice Acorns.

That will be replaced by the new sponsor - although the club have told all potential backers that an ongoing support for the charity will be a condition of any deal.

A Villa spokesman confirmed: "We have made it clear that any new commercial partnership would still work very closely with Acorns as well, and that would be a cast-iron part of an agreement.

"The club are very proud of the work that has been done so far and believe everybody will benefit from making sure it continues."