Villa keen on additions

Lambert bolstered his defence this week with the capture of Middlesbrough left-back Joe Bennett – the fifth signing of the summer.

But he is now looking to add firepower to supplement fit-again Darren Bent and the currently injured Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Villa has increased its bid to sign Genk forward Christian Benteke to around £5.5 million ($8.4 million) after its initial offer was rejected.

The midlands club is hoping to hear today whether it has been finally successful in its attempt to land the Belgium international.

Benteke has made it clear he wants to fulfil his dream of playing in the Premier League although reports he had gone on strike were unfounded.

But Lambert is also looking long term and believed to be keen on Chesterfield's 21-year-old striker Jordan Bowery.

Bowery has two years remaining of his current contract.

He made his debut for Chesterfield four years ago and has made more than 80 appearances for the club.

Charlton midfielder Dale Stephens is also on Lambert's radar.