Alex McLeish will have money to spend

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has assured fans that the club will be able to spend money in the summer to improve the squad.

The Birmingham club have been trying to cut costs over the past couple of years and that has forced McLeish to 'wheel and deal' in the transfer market.

The Glaswegian is confident, however, that if required they can still make a big-money signing.

"I will have to do a bit of wheeling and dealing, but that doesn't mean we won't be able to spend money," said McLeish.

"We have to get the wages down to a level, but it doesn't mean we are going to say we can only afford £5,000-a-week wages for new players from now on.

"We may end up paying massive wages for someone who comes in the summer as long as it fits into that whole package."

McLeish and Villa welcome Premier League title-chasers Manchester City to Villa Park this afternoon.