Return of the Prodigal?

Given Paul Lambert penchant for lower league youngsters with promise, it's no massive surprise to see Villa linked with a move for Brentford's out of contract starlet, Harry Forrester.

Villa actually stumped up a quarter of a million to sign Harry from Watford - back in the days when he was probably still reaching for the Clearasil - in a deal that could have been worth as much as £1million had he made the grade.

However, Villa chose to release the player two years ago. Having had a successful trial at Ajax, Forrester plumped to return to England and Brentford -  in a deal which raised a few eyebrows.

He is now an established member of the Brentford first team, earning plaudits as the team made the play offs and narrowly missed out on promotion.

Whether the wide man would fit into Lambert's style of play is open to question, but this situation is one to keep an eye on.