Wednesday 25 May 2016 15:48, UK
New Aston Villa owner Tony Xia is confident he will pass the Premier League and Football League's fit and proper person test.
The Chinese businessman, 39, last week bought Villa from American Randy Lerner, who had been looking to sell the club since 2014, although he needs to pass the customary test in order for his takeover of the club to be completed.
Investigations into Xia's conglomerate, Recon Group, are being carried out jointly by the Premier League and Football League as Villa, relegated from the top-flight this season, do not officially become a Sky Bet Championship club until June.
Xia does not foresee any problems and told the Telegraph: "I think there is no way, and not any excuse, that they should turn me down because I am a person who is doing everything legally.
"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."
Keith Wyness, Chris Samuelson and Jamie Banfill, who are all expected to form part of the new board at Villa, will also need to pass the owners and directors' test so it is unknown how long it will be before Xia's takeover can be finalised.
One issue that may be resolved before the purchase of the club is completed is the identity of the new manager with former West Brom and Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo appearing to be Xia's preferred choice, although ex-Leicester manager Nigel Pearson also remains an option.
