What is sure to be known in claret and blue quarters as the post-Ellis era inched closer yesterday when former Birmingham City defender Ray Ranson confirmed to the stock market that he is considering a bid for Aston Villa.

Rumours that Ranson, who had previously had a bid of £33 million rejected by chairman Doug Ellis just over a year ago, was back in the running for the club.

The consortium fronted by Ranson is at least two weeks away from deciding whether or not to make an offer, but sources are convinced by the seriousness of his conviction this time.

Ranson had refused to comment on the speculation until yesterday when he made a brief statement of intent to the city which said that he is working on putting a proposal together.

It read: "Mr Ray Ranson confirms that he is working on a proposal that may or may not lead to an approach being made to the board of Aston Villa plc for a possible offer for the company by Mr Ranson and others."

All of which sounds a bit vague until it is set against comments from an unnamed source close to the ex-Manchester City right-back who warned that his interest "is not a fishing expedition".

Key to the transaction could be Jack Petchey, the entrepreneur who has built a 20 per cent stake in Villa through his Trefick Limited vehicle, and who is understood to be keen to exit.

"The smoke signals suggest he is now ready to accept [an offer]," said sources close to Petchey.

With 81-year-old Ellis currently recuperating after a triple heart bypass, his grip on the club is thought to be at its weakest for nearly two decades. Supporters' groups have long called on him to retire and sell his 33 per cent holding to an investor with money to put into the club.

Villa Fans' Combined (VFC) spokesman Jonathan Fear believes that the latest opportunity to sell up is one Ellis should accept - for the sake of his own health and that of Villa, who have not automatically qualified for Europe for seven years.

"This is an ideal time for Doug Ellis to walk away and save face," said Fear.

"This is nothing to do with fan pressure and I do hope Doug Ellis now does the best for himself, making sure his health is okay, and also that of the club in allowing a new dynamic group the chance to take Villa forward.

"If the reports about a consortium are correct, then we would need to hear what they have got to offer.

"We would not want to see Aston Villa sold on the cheap.

"But if there is a worthwhile offer this would be a prime time for Doug to step aside."

Former Villa star David Platt, meanwhile, feels it will not be easy for Ellis, who has stated his intent to return to work, to be dislodged from his powerbase.

"When I heard the news about his operation I was naturally concerned," said Platt.

"But if the chairman says he's coming back to the club, then I'm sure he will. "