Villa plunged into a summer of uncertainty and paralysis.

Randy Lerner has confirmed that he wants out of Aston Villa and has appointed bankers to handle the sale of the football club.

The timing of the announcement, the day after the conclusion of the season, plunges the club into a summer of uncertainty and paralysis

Planning for next season is now nigh on impossible, with no guarantee that either Manager Paul Lambert or indeed CEO Paul Faulkner will still be in place after a sale.

While player departures are a distinct possibility, the likes Bent, Hutton and Shay Given likely to go if deals regarding the remainder of their contracts can be struck, it is highly unlikely that any major incoming signing will happen until a deal is struck with new owners.

Villa in Limbo

With the playing staff and coaching methodology in major need of an overhaul if Villa aren't going to face another season of dire form and the threat of relegation, even a swift sale will leave Villa left in the starting blocks as other clubs swoop for best talent available as the transfer window swings open.

Optimistically, Randy Lerner hopes within to find a buyer in the next six weeks. This could be a big ask with no price set yet and no formal offer from a potential bidder on the table.

Exciting times ahead we can only hope for. A worrying summer seems guaranteed.