The Boudebouz Buzz

French media are reporting Villa's interest in Algerian wideman  Ryad Boudebouz.

Sochaux winger Ryad Boudebouz has made it plain that he would be open to the possibility of a move to the Premier League, with Villa amongst a gaggle of clubs tracking the talented star.

Reports in France had claimed that Southampton's Mauricio Pochettino is keen on securing the 23-year old's signature while the young international was linked with a switch to Liverpool last summer and Villa are known to have had the player watched

The player has under a year left on his current deal, so any move for him now wouldn't break the bank, though Sochaux are thought to want £5million, while his salary demands would not be beyond Villa's financial reach

Boudebouz has made no secret of the fact that he fancies trying his luck in a tougher league: "My dream has always been to play in England or Spain.

"It is everyone's dream to be linked with good teams in big leagues in Europe.

"If the President rings me up to tell me there is an offer for me I would be very happy."

A beached whale

Sceptics may wonder why Lambert would be after another wide man, given that he rarely likes to play with out and out width and has already purchased players capable of getting wide in his earlier summer dealings.

Any move is also likely to be dependant on being able to offload the unwanted players cluttering up the exit lounge at Bodymoor Heath, and they are proving harder to shift than a beached whale.