Paul Lambert: No quick fix for Aston Villa problems

Paul Lambert today insisted he does not have "a magic wand" to solve Villa's problems as he prepared to discuss transfer targets with owner Randy Lerner.

Paul Lambert today insisted he does not have "a magic wand" to solve Villa's problems as he prepared to discuss transfer targets with owner Randy Lerner.

The claret and blues were completely outplayed as they suffered a 3-1 loss to Everton in Lambert's first game at Villa Park.

It was a defeat which cruelly exposed the desperate need to inject some fresh blood into the Villa squad to avoid another relegation battle.

Lerner jetted into the country last night to meet with Lambert and chief executive Paul Faulkner and the trio will determine how to strengthen the squad before the window shuts on Friday.

"There's no magic wand. That's why I never got caught up in the euphoria of it because I know what it's like," said the Scot.

"It's not a quick fix, I know that myself, but it's something where you don't want to be left behind, you want to try and win as many games as you can.

"We have to start to win – that's first and foremost, whether you have the players or not. The chairman and Paul and myself will have a conversation and we'll see what happens.

"I've got ideas in my head. If something comes available and I think it's worthwhile, then we can look at it."

One player who is unlikely to be part of Lambert's plans is Richard Dunne after sources in Ireland claimed the defender will join Stoke before the window closes.

Meanwhile, Villa midfielder Karim El Ahmadi claimed his team-mates must show greater confidence.

He said: "It seems we were a little bit scared. We have to learn from it."