Villa line up targets

But they have warned fans to be patient as a host of different agents get involved in deals for the players they want.

The club have been linked with several men already, Hearts' Scottish international keeper Craig Gordon the latest following boss Martin O'Neill's trip to watch their game against Kilmarnock last week.

Chief scout Ian Storey-Moore said today: "We're working hard behind the scenes, both Martin and I, to bring in some fresh faces.

"It's fair to say we know who we want. Patience can be a key word. It's not always easy to get the players you want for various reasons.

"A lot of people get involved. It's not like the old days when the manager and the player just agree the deal face-to-face.

"At times it's difficult to find out who represents the player. Then another agent turns around and says he has a mandate to represent the club, so it's messy at times. But am I excited? Yes, if we get the players we're after."

Storey-Moore said he has "put his heart and soul" into bringing in the players they want and if Villa don't get them, it won't be for lack of trying.

"I've been to numerous games abroad, and we've had other scouts all over the place as well," he said.

"We've worked extremely hard – I can't think of how many games I've been to.

"I've put my heart and soul into it, and I just hope we can fulfill our targets. If things don't work out then it won't be for the lack of effort."

Villa rookie Stephen O'Halloran made his full international debut as the Republic of Ireland drew 1-1 with Ecuador in New York.

O'Halloran started at left-back as one of seven debutants in Steve Staunton's makeshift side.