Paul Lambert launches hunt for old hands at Villa
Villa boss Paul Lambert today revealed he is hunting experienced recruits in the January transfer window.
The claret and blues chief has refused to rule out going into the market for older players in a surprise change of policy.
Just two of Lambert's 17 Villa signings had Premier League knowhow – Joe Bennett and Brad Guzan, after he tempted the keeper back to the club.
And Villa also plundered the foreign market over the summer, including splashing out £7m on Libor Kozak from Lazio, but Lambert is now eyeing proven players.
"There's a case for experienced players," he said, ahead of tomorrow's trip to Sunderland with Villa 13th in the Premier League.
"If a good player comes up and he's experienced you certainly don't dismiss it.
"If they are good enough and have the right attitude and character you can never dismiss it."
But the Scot insisted would not break the bank or return to the time when Villa paid big bucks.
He said: "Sometimes the salaries are ridiculous which I don't think this club will do again. That's the reality. It's a challenge to go and find players but with top end the salaries are a bit high."
