Paul Lambert looks to have his work cut out this summer (Picture: Getty)

Aston Villa look set for another tough season after it emerged owner Randy Lerner is giving boss Paul Lambert just £10m to spend in the summer transfer window – including wages.

Lambert had hoped to use the summer window to strengthen his young squad in a bid to avoid a third successive relegation battle, but is relying on Lerner selling the club sooner rather than later for more funds to become available.

But if Villa don’t come under new ownership this summer, it appears Lambert is set for another struggle in the transfer market, with just £10m at his disposal – money out of which new players’ wages must also be taken.

Joe Cole joined Aston Villa on a free (Picture: AP)

Joe Cole and Philippe Senderos have already moved to Villa Park this summer, but with Cole admitting he had to take a big cut in wages to join the Birmingham-based outfit, Lambert could struggle to attract any more top talent.




Villa have already missed out on Joleon Lescott, who has joined West Brom, while Lambert has had to give up on moves for Javier Hernandez and Lewis Holtby, with Lerner’s financial restrictions causing problems.

CLUB METRO: Roy Keane’s arrival means Martin O’Neill may have big influence at Villa once again