Patience the key in Aston Villa hunt for striker, says Lambert

Published Nov 7, 2016

Last updated Aug 20, 2012

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert will not rush his search for a new striker after fresh rumours today the club could move for Andy Carroll.

The claret and blues were among a number of clubs linked with Liverpool forward Carroll while Stoke target man Kenwyne Jones and Tottenham poacher Jermain Defoe are also on Villa's radar.

It is understood that chairman Randy Lerner jetted into the country late last week and held meetings with Lambert where transfer targets were discussed.

And when asked if he was in the market for a new striker the Scot revealed he was happy to play a waiting game with a fortnight until the transfer window closes.

Lambert said: "I don't know. I will wait and see. You could flood your place with people that might not get a game. For the ones that do come in you have to make sure they're right. We will wait and see.

"In an ideal world you'd love a squad of 54! I need to wait and see. Losing Gabby Agbonlahor has been a blow for us."

Lambert was left frustrated by Villa's inability to turn possession into chances for striker Darren Bent as they began the season with a 1-0 defeat to West Ham at Upton Park.