Randy Lerner is set to take a hands-on role at Aston Villa.

The Guardian says the Villa owner is set to take over the position of chief executive officer and have a more active role in the running of the club. The post has been vacant since Richard FitzGerald unexpectedly left in January and Lerner is understood to have no intention of appointing anyone to fill the position.

The US billionaire, who completed a £67m takeover in August 2006, will establish a permanent residence in the Midlands next season, enabling him to have a greater influence. It is possible that Lerner will not give himself the official title, but sources have made it clear that the Villa owner will take on the post's day-to-day responsibilities .