Lambert frustrated as search proves fruitless

Villa boss Paul Lambert today admitted he has been frustrated by the lack of activity in the transfer window in recent weeks.

Lambert wrapped up deals for Karim El Ahmadi, Ron Vlaar and Matthew Lowton before the season began but has come up against a brick wall since.

The claret and blues have been strongly linked with a move for Ipswich defender Aaron Cresswell with a left-back high on Lambert's list of priorities.

Sources in East Anglia, however, insist there has been no follow-up to Villa's initial inquiry at the beginning of the month.

There has been little movement on the outgoings as well and the club have not received any offers for out-of-favour full-backs Stephen Warnock and Alan Hutton.

"It's difficult because of the prices and that's a hard thing. I think it's well documented the type of players I'm looking for," said Lambert. "I have never stopped looking. Someone might come in."

Lambert, however, did rule out a deal for either Tottenham poacher Jermain Defoe or Stoke City target man Kenwyne Jones.