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New Aston Villa owner Tony Xia passes fit and proper person test

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Image: Dr Tony Xia was always confident of completing his takeover

New Aston Villa owner Tony Xia has passed the Premier League and Football League's fit and proper person test, according to Sky sources.

The Chinese businessman, 39, bought the Sky Bet Championship club in May from American Randy Lerner, who had been looking to sell up since 2014.

Xia needed to pass the customary test for his takeover of the club to be completed and it is understood on Monday afternoon that he had been given the green light and was in the UK to complete the acquisition of Villa.

Investigations into Xia's conglomerate, Recon Group, were carried out jointly by the Premier League and Football League as Villa, relegated from the top-flight this season, did not officially become a Championship club until June.

Xia did not foresee any problems and said two weeks ago that there was "no way, and not any excuse, that they should turn me down because I am a person who is doing everything legally".

He added: "I am enthusiastic for the club and I will devote myself to it and I am responsible to take it over. There is no reason they will disapprove of that."

Roberto di Matteo in his time as Schalke 04 manager
Image: Roberto Di Matteo has taken the reins at Villa Park

Villa had already confirmed the appointment of Roberto Di Matteo as their new manager on a two-year contract on June 3.

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Di Matteo was identified as the preferred choice by the new owner at the time of his takeover.

The 46-year-old Italian won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012 but has not managed in the second tier of English football since 2009-10, when he won promotion with West Brom.

Di Matteo revealed Steve Clarke, sacked as Reading boss in December, as his assistant on June 6.

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New Aston Villa owner Tony Xia revealed the club will have £30-40m to invest in new players

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