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Paul Lambert admits he would love to sign players of the calibre of Lewis Holtby, Javier Hernandez and Joleon Lescott for Aston Villa.

Lambert was linked with the Tottenham midfielder, Manchester United striker and Manchester City defender in reports on Thursday morning.

And the claret and blue boss acknowledges that those are the types of proven Premier League players he would like to take the club forward.

“This football club, the size of it, needs players of that type of character,” said Lambert.

“I’m not just talking about those lads. It’s wrong for me to talk about those lads, but I’m talking about that sort of level.

“The size of this football club needs that level, wherever they come from. I know you’re mentioining those three lads but it’s unfair for me to comment. This football club needs big players.”

Lambert seemed to be in a relaxed frame of mind ahead of Saturday’s crucial survival clash against Hull at Villa Park on Saturday.

He repeated his recent message that the claret and blues need to recruit better, more expensive players to end their perennial relegation battles.

“It’s not acceptable for this club to keep doing this,” he said.

“Four years it’s been battling against it. It’s too big a football club to do this, that’s the reality of it. I think everybody knows that.

“The size of this football club and the tradition and the history that it’s got, it shouldn't be fluctuating like this, that’s for sure.”

It is difficult for Lambert to comment on his own future or potential transfer targets when there is still uncertainty over who will own the club next season and whether he will still be in a job.

But the Villa manager expects Randy Lerner to clarify the situation about his intentions when he makes a statement later this month.

“The chairman will come out and say what he’s got to say in May time I think,” said Lambert.

“I know he’s going to come out and say something else. I don’t know what he’s going to say and that’s me being totally honest with you.

“You are where you are at the minute, the chairman will come out and be honest with everybody. He’ll be the one.

“It’s his football club and I don’t think anybody can ever be critical of what he’s done for this club. I’m pretty sure he’ll say what he’s got to say.”

When it was suggested to him that calling for greater funds would either result in those extra funds, or him leaving the club, Lambert replied: “I’m not breaking any ranks.

“I’m just saying the football club, the size of it, needs to be up there. That’s not breaking rank at all. I know the situation. Randy will say what he’s got to say.

“He’s been fair I think with everybody.”

Lambert re-iterated his desire to remain in charge of Villa regardless of Saturday’s result against Hull, the following trips to Manchester City and Tottenham and the outcome of Lerner’s next declaration.

He added: “If you ask me do I want to be the manager of this football club? Absolutely I do. That’s not wavered one bit.”