Aston Villa can break into the Top 4 says Lerner
Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner has said today that he feels his side can in the future break into the top 4 in the Premier League. Villa have got off to a very good start this season and many people feel they may yet challenge for a UEFA Cup spot. Martin O'Neill has proved a big success since taking over as manager of the club some 14 months ago and many people are even tipping him to become the next England manager, high praise for the Northern Ireland man.
"It is our ambition to compete with them (the top four) although there is still a lot of work to be put in to build up Villa to that sort of level," said Lerner. "It will be the multi-growth of our business which we hope will eventually enable Villa to compete with the likes of these clubs. "Attendances and other sales are up but at the present time they do not balance the books. It was not expected they would.
There is no doubt that Villa have the potential to break into the Top 4 but can they do it within the next three seasons or so, who knows but they certainly are a side on the up. They have a lot of emerging talent at the club in Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young and Craig Gardener and with Lerner saying that he is willing to dip into his pocket, I certainly wouldn't be betting against them finishing in the top 6.
So if Villa were to spend in January, who might they sign. Well I personally feel if they were to sign on loan keeper Scott Carson a permanent deal that would be some terrific business because in my view he has been one of the best in the Premier League over the last two seasons. There has been a rumour that Liverpool's John Arne Riise and Porto's Jose Bosingwa could be on their way to Villa Park and in my view both of them would be good bits of business.