Aston Villa NEED to chase Hernandez, Lescott and Holtby this summer - Paul Lambert #CarryGobySeanKellz #FutureGroupNG via @myentertain9jar

ASTON VILLA boss Paul Lambert says the club need to be chasing the likes of Manchester United's Javier Hernandez, Manchester City's Joleon Lescott and Tottenham's Lewis Holtby if they are to remain competitive in the Premier League.

Paul Lambert want big names at Aston Villa[GETTY]

Lambert lead a squad of inexperienced youngsters and cheap or free signings to safety last season and will be attempting to repeat the trick this term, but he believes now is the time for Villa to part with their 'bargain basement' philosophy.
Villa have been linked with Hernandez, Lescott and Holtby in recent weeks and those are the sort of players Lambert would like to see arrive, should the club avoid relegation.
He said: "I think a football club of this size needs that calibre of player.
"I'm not just talking about those three lads because it would be wrong for me to talk about them but we need that level of player for the size of this club, wherever they come from.
"This club needs big players.
"It's not acceptable for this club to keep doing this, it's been four years of battling against relegation. It's too big a football club to do this. That's the reality. I think everybody knows that."
Asked how likely it is Villa could attract - or afford - that level of player, Lambert said: "The chairman will come out and say what he's got to say in May time, I think.

 

Javier Hernandez has been linked with a move to Aston Villa [GETTY]

I think a football club of this size needs that calibre of player.

Paul Lambert

"I don't know what he's going to say and that's me being totally honest with you.
"This football club, with the tradition and history it's got, should not be fluctuating like this. You are where you are.
"The chairman will come out and be honest with everybody. It's his football club and I don't think anyone can ever be critical of what he's done for this club. There's no way anyone could do that and I'm pretty sure he'll say what he's got to say."
After previously publicly backing Villa's frugal approach Lambert denies his apparent change of stance will irk the club's hierarchy.
He added "I'm not breaking ranks.
"I'm just saying that a club this size needs to be up there (competing).
"I know the situation and Randy will say what he's got to say. I think he's been fair with everybody about exactly what's happened and he'll (speak) when the time's right."