Aston Villa have provided new manager Paul Lambert with a transfer war chest to bring in new players this summer.

The former Norwich City boss took the job at Villa Park on Wednesday and faces the task of taking Villa into the top half of the table, having finished just two points above the relegation zone at the end of last season.

Lambert is hoping to bring in some new players to the club, and will be given the money to help attract new signings.

"We know that we've got to work with Paul and freshen up the squad," said chief executive Paul Faulkner. "We had a poor, disappointing season last year and we've got to get to work - it's still early in the summer.

"We'll be making some smart moves, bringing players in and no doubt some will be moving on.

"It's about getting the squad ready for pre-season and making sure that we're up challenging in the top half of the table rather than the wrong end."

Lambert takes over at Villa Park from Alex McLeish who was sacked by owner Randy Lerner at the end of last season.