A statement to the Stock Exchange read: "The directors of Aston Villa PLC announced on 14 July, 2003 that the chairman had received unsolicited approaches by telephone from intermediaries acting for parties who might be interested in acquiring shares in the company.
"Those calls were speculative in nature and no further details were available at that date.
"In the light of further media speculation, the directors can confirm that discussions have now been held with intermediaries acting on behalf of one of the parties.
"However, details of the principals concerned or sufficient evidence of the firm availability of funds have still not been received. Accordingly, the directors conclude that any such interest continues to be treated as highly speculative."