Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has refused to reveal whether the club are closing in on the signing of Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair.

It was reported earlier this week that Villa were interested in signing Sinclair for £2.5m, but with no formal announcement having been made, Lambert was unable to give too much away.

"It is what it is at the minute. It is unfair of me to comment on someone that is not here," the Scot told reporters. "Everyone knows the situation and where the club is, it's not changed from last year."

However, Lambert admitted that he was a big fan of Sinclair, who has struggled to make an impact at the Etihad Stadium since joining from Swansea City in 2012.

"I know the lad from his Swansea days. I know exactly what he can do, he was top, top class in that side," the Villa boss added.

"It's been a hard move for him going to Man City, but the year he had at Swansea in the Premier League he was outstanding. So he has got it in him, he can be a real good player."

Sinclair, who spent time on loan at West Bromwich Albion last season, has made just four appearances in all competitions in the current campaign.