Aston Villa eyes stadium sponsor opportunities

Aston Villa is understood to be looking for a stadium sponsor following the club’s takeover by American billionaire Randy Lerner…

Aston%20Villa Aston Villa is understood to be looking for a stadium sponsor following the club’s takeover by American billionaire Randy Lerner.

Reports suggest that renaming Villa Park is one of Lerner’s first priorities, although rumours of a £120m price tag have been dismissed. Birmingham-based confectioner Cadbury has been touted as one possible candidate but is understood to have ruled itself out.

A naming-rights deal would raise tens of millions of pounds for the club – some of which would be given to manager Martin O’Neil to spend on players. Lerner was appointed chairman of Aston Villa on September 19, succeeding Doug Ellis.

Manchester United fans feared the naming rights to Old Trafford would be sold when the club was bought be another American billionaire, Malcolm Glazer, last year. No such deal has yet been signed, although the club agreed a bumper £56m shirt sponsorship package with American insurance giant AIG earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Arsenal signed a £100m stadium and shirt sponsorship deal with Emirates in 2004.