Former Portsmouth owner Milan Mandaric has revealed he's advising Aston Villa's potential new owners.

The club faces a huge financial blackhole after failing to reach the Premier League in last season's play-off final.

Boss Steve Bruce last week confirmed stars must now be sold with Spurs lining up prize asset Jack Grealish.

The club's woes have alerted ex-Leicester, Portsmouth and Sheffield Wednesday owner Mandaric.

But he insists he is currently focused on his Slovenian club NK Olimpija Ljubljana.

They have the second leg of their first round qualifying tie for the Champions League on Wednesday at Qarabag FK, with Slovenian's trailing 1-0.

Serbian-American business tycoon Mandaric,79, told the Mirror: “Aston Villa is an historic big English club.

“But on the other hand I just cannot really say I am making any moves at this time.

“There is a group of people who know me quite well and if I can help them to move forward I will do this.

“They have asked for my advice.

“But at this time I couldn't say I am part of a takeover.

“I own the club here in Slovenia and we are in very serious competition in Europe and in our Championship league.

“I have to fulfil my commitments and my duty and then sort myself out and look at other options and projects.

“It wouldn't be fair to this club here, and to other clubs in England, other than saying I am willing to help out at this point rather than to be part of a takeover."