Villa’s Lambert declares admiration for Jones

One Day before the kick off of the 2012/2013 English Barclays Premiership Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has declared that he is a big admirer of strikers Jermain Defoe of Tottenham Spurs and T&T and Stoke City frontman Kenwyne Jones, but is unsure whether either will be moving to the club. Villa have been linked to both players during the summer, but the Scot says that, despite the speculation, fans should hold their excitement about the possible new transfers.

“You are talking about two really good players, different types of players there,” he told reporters. Defoe who scored for England in its 2-1 friendly international win over Italy on Wednesday last is said to be pondering his future at White Hart Lane under new manager Andre Villas-Boas while the 27-year-old Jones has been the subject of rumour transfers since the end of last Season. The T&T international has netted three goals in two matches during pre-season and should be in the Stoke City squad for today’s season opener against promoted Reading FC. The Villa boss added, “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.” Lambert also stated that moves for full-back Stephen Warnock and Alan Hutton were unlikely at the moment, but they would be allowed to leave if the price is right.