Paul Lambert: Aston Villa can attract star players

The club have been linked with moves for Javier Hernandez, Joleon Lescott and Lewis Holtby.

Villa have suffered a season of struggle and need to beat Hull in their final home game of the campaign tomorrow to all but ensure Premier League survival. But despite their wretched year Lambert still believes Villa can pull in the stars.

"Do I think this club is a major attraction? My God, I do – yes," he said. "If we can get one through the door, that can set things going. The bigger players you attract, the stronger you get."

"It's not acceptable for this club to be where it is. It's too big. It's huge but everybody knows this club can't keep doing what it is doing."

Chairman Randy Lerner is expected to try to sell the club this year with Lambert's budget hinging on a change of ownership.

Lerner promised to address speculation over his future at the end of the season but Lambert admitted Villa cannot continue to struggle.

"The chairman will come out and say what he's got to say in May time, I think," he said.

"I don't know what he's going to say and that's me being totally honest with you.

"This football club with the tradition and history it's got should not be fluctuating like this. You are where you are.

"The chairman will come out and be honest with everybody. It's his football club and I don't think anyone can ever be critical of what he's done for this club. There's no way anyone could do that and I'm pretty sure he'll say what he's got to say."