In addition to the English giants, V Sports has four other clubs under its global umbrella and is actively seeking a partner in a proposed joint venture down under, ideally a pact with an Australian-based business entity.

Billionaires Nassef Sawiris, from Egypt, and his American partner Wes Edens have owned Villa outright since 2019, with the club’s fortunes, on and off the field, on a significant upswing.

The recent emergence of cashed-up US investment company Atairos - with $US 6.5 billion of equity capital -  as a partner has further solidified Villa’s position as one of the EPL’s most lavishly backed teams.

FTBL understands that V Sports has been working behind the scenes with the Australian Professional Leagues on the project - on the proviso another partner can be found to co-fund the Canberra team due to be unveiled along with Auckland in the 2024-2025 season.

As well as its ownership of Aston Villa, V Sports boasts a 30 per cent stake in Portuguese outfit Vitória and has partnerships with a network of clubs including Real Union from Spain, Egyptian Premier League side ZED FC and defending Japanese J1 League champions Vissel Kobe.

Speaking last month APL commissioner Nick Garcia waxed lyrical over the prospect of Canberra’s entry into what would be a 14-team competition.

"I’m very positive about Canberra right now,” said Garcia. “We’re in advanced discussions with a party for Canberra.

“The thing I think it’s important to understand about Canberra is that they have a women’s team already (Canberra United), it’s not a cold start.

"There’s a women’s team, there’s structure around the club, there’s a brand, a lot of that’s stood up. You’re adding a men’s team. It’s not like Auckland.

“The other thing is because there’s been other bids for an A-League licence out of Canberra. So much work and public support has already been done.

"Government support and stuff as well. We’ve got all that. So they’ll move really fast when they’re in.”

FTBL contacted Garcia for further clarification on Aston Villa’s proposal but received no reply.