Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner misses FA Cup semis due to bereavement

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has confirmed that owner Randy Lerner missed his side's FA Cup semi-final win at Wembley on Sunday due to a family bereavement.

The Midlands outfit secured a place in the final for the first time in 15 years with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool.

Lerner was expected to be in London for the showdown, but the American opted to stay in the United States after the reported death of his aunt.

"I've not spoken to him yet," the Daily Mail quotes Sherwood as saying. "My phone is buzzing in my pocket but I don't know who it is.

"He's had a family bereavement so I'm not sure if he could make it. I spoke to him in the week. If he's not here in body he's certainly here in spirit. He's the biggest Aston Villa fan I know."

Lerner put the club up for sale last May and reports have claimed that the businessman is hopeful of finalising a deal by the end of this season.