Aston Villa fans told to forget 'dream' signings

Paul Lambert today warned Aston Villa fans they need to be realistic with their expectations during the transfer window as he looked to add physical presence to his squad.

Villa have not signed anybody in the first 12 days of January with Lambert eager to boost his options with defensive and midfield reinforcements high on his wish list.

However, it is understood he will only have about £10m to spend in January and when asked if fans were in 'dreamland' with talk of signing star players like Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott, the Villla boss said: "Yes, money, I think that's the reality of it. We can't do it.

"But we need to try to do something this window. I think the team needs a little strength at the moment because of the injuries.

"That's what I have to look towards. If you are good enough and think you can come in and handle it, that's what we need to look at."

Lambert would be able to spend any money he can recoup from the sale of players although he has yet to receive any offers for his players, including out-of-favour defenders Stephen Warnock and Alan Hutton.

"You can't do anything if the phone doesn't go," added the Scot.

n Villa winger Marc Albrighton has been ruled out for two months after a scan on his injured foot revealed he has a broken metatarsal.