Lambert to stay at Villa Park following talks with Randy Lerner
Paul Lambert is staying as Villa boss after talks with owner Randy Lerner, it emerged today.
The manager's future had been in doubt after Lerner put the club up for sale last week after eight years in charge.
But, after discussions in New York with Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner about Villa's short-term strategy, the club and Lambert are moving forward with their summer plans.
Lerner and the Scot have a good working relationship and the owner is supportive of his manager.
No takeover is imminent and Lambert is preparing Villa for next season even if a new owner comes in this summer.
Despite the uncertainty Villa will try to be active in the transfer market as they look to rebuild again following another season of struggle.
They finished five points above the Premier League's relegation zone and Lambert is determined to work through the uncertainty surrounding the club.
Marc Albrighton is yet to sign a new contract while Nicklas Helenius is expected to be sold during the summer after the striker's agent has confirmed the claret and blues are planning without him.
Helenius was a £1.2m buy from Aalborg last summer but failed to make an impact at Villa Park and has not played since January.
The Denmark international scored once – in the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Sheffield United – in six substitute appearances and did not make a Premier League start.
Mads Bach Lund tweeted: "Villa are not counting on @NicklasHelenius as a part of the squad next season. Pity, but we are looking forward instead of backwards.
"He did his very best, but many reasons behind this. But great experience and development, he is a stronger player now."
