Villa to hold off on getting new manager

Aston Villa is set to hold off hiring a new manager until the relegated English Premier League club is sold.

Villa chairman Steve Hollis said in a statement on Friday that the club is in "very constructive" talks with interested parties which could lead to a sale, and "the appointment of a manager is at this time inextricably linked to the current negotiations."

With two games left, Villa - a seven-time English champion and a European champion from 1982 - is assured of finishing in last place this season and will drop out of the Premier League for the first time.

The club is owned by American businessman Randy Lerner.

Remi Garde left as Villa manager by mutual consent in March and is yet to be replaced.