Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has admitted that he would be keen on adding either Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe or Stoke City forward Kenwyne Jones to his side.

The Midlands outfit, who begin their Premier League campaign against newly-promoted side West Ham United tomorrow, are desperate to improve on their previous poor season under Alex McLeish.

"You are talking about two really good players, different types of players there," said Lambert. "I think a club this size will always be linked with players of that ilk.

"I don't think you ever stop looking for players. You have always got to try and improve. Whether they come in or not, we will have to wait and see but any manager will tell you, you are always going to look for players."

Meanwhile, Lambert is struggling with casualties within his team as Gabriel Agbonlahor, Richard Dunne and Marc Albrighton face spells on the sidelines.