Randy Lerner is reconsidering his decision to put Aston Villa up for sale.

The Daily Mail says Lerner, after trying to offload the club, is said to be energised about taking the team forward having brought in former Arsenal commercial director Tom Fox as CEO.

Nevertheless, there is speculation billionaire Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, the richest owner in the NFL whose Seattle Seahawks have reached back-to-back Superbowls, could be interested in buying Villa.

Allen, who was in talks to buy Southampton in 2007, part-owns MLS side Seattle Sounders.

A source involved with Allen's investment vehicle Vulcan said: "This is Americans talking to Americans."