Lambert tells Warnock he can move on

Villa left-back Stephen Warnock has been axed from Paul Lambert's plans and sent to train with the reserves for the second time in his career with the club.

The 30-year-old defender was informed that he was surplus to requirements by Lambert as the Villa boss continued to clear out the deadwood from his squad.

Warnock, who reputedly earns around £40,000 a week, came in for some criticism from supporters last season for several poor performances.

And Lambert has told Warnock to look for a new club with Villa hopeful they can find someone to sign him on a permanent deal or a loan agreement until the end of the season.

It is the second time that the Ormskirk-born defender, who was part of Fabio Capello's squad for the 2010 World Cup, has been frozen out of the first-team after former boss Gerard Houllier decided the player was not up to scratch.

When asked about the futures of Warnock, and out-of-favour right-back Alan Hutton, at a recent fans forum Lambert indicated he will put the interests of the club first.

He said: "Regarding Alan (Hutton) and Stephen (Warnock) I just have to make decisions which I think are right."

Lambert has made Matthew Lowton his first-choice at right-back and is on the lookout for a new left-back with Ipswich youngster Aaron Cresswell a target.

Villa centre-back Richard Dunne, who is out of contract next summer, was also today linked with a move to Stoke City. The Ireland defender is currently in rehabilitation after an operation on his groin but Stoke are reportedly keen to negotiate a deal.