Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner has revealed that he will decide whether to stay at the club at the end of the season.
The American businessman's future has recently been called into question following a difficult season at Villa Park.
The Villans are currently five points above the relegation zone, while last week's suspensions of assistant manager Ian Culverhouse and head of football operations Gary Karsa have suggested that not all is well behind the scenes.
Lerner, who arrived at the club in 2006, has now suggested that he could leave this summer.
"Following [Saturday's 0-0 draw with Southampton], there have been stories about my selling the club. On a personal level, I had hoped the emphasis would have been on the amazing effort on the part of our manager and our players to regroup throughout a very difficult week," Lerner told Villa's official website.
"As regards my personal role at the club and the steady rumours of a sale, I will address these after the season. Paul Lambert, (chief executive) Paul Faulkner and I speak daily and remain committed to the immediate job of limiting distraction and confusion in order that Villa have the best chance possible of finishing on a strong note."
Villa return to Premier League action this Saturday when they face Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.
Jack Prescott
