Aston Villa do not have the same opportunity as some of the Premier League 'big six' did more than a decade ago to realise their owners’ ambitious plans and continue progressing.

It was the 'red cartel' of Arsenal , Liverpool and Manchester United who pushed for a breakaway European Super League just over four years ago, and they were soon joined by Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham.

The six clubs involved agreed to make a combined "goodwill" payment of £22m as punishment and were warned that any future attempt at a similar project would result in a £25m fine for each of them and a 30-point deduction.

They didn’t get their Super League, but the rules governing the Premier League - along with UEFA’s controls - essentially give them a free pass to blow other teams out of th

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