Tony Xia 'given green light to take over Aston Villa'

Tony Xia's takeover of Aston Villa has reportedly been given the green light by the Premier League and the Football League.

The Chinese businessman has passed the customary fit and proper person test and is on the verge of completing the deal, according to Sky Sports News.

Xia purchased the Championship club from American Randy Lerner in May, but needed final approval from the governing bodies before the acquisition could be finalised.

The deal follows the appointment of Roberto Di Matteo as the new manager of Villa, who were relegated from the Premier League last season.

The Italian, who has named former Reading boss Steve Clarke as his assistant, is said to have been the preferred choice of the club's new owner.