Paul Lambert prepared to let trio leave Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert is reportedly planning to let a trio of experienced high-earners leave the club this summer as his focus remains on improving a young side.

Shay Given, Darren Bent and Stephen Ireland have all been told that they are free to find new clubs in the close season as Lambert looks to lower the wage bill at Villa Park, according to The Sun.

Given admitted earlier this week that he was given permission to look for a new club by Lambert despite having three years left on a £60,000-a-week contract with the Villans.

Record signing Bent is also on the transfer list after finding first-team opportunities limited under Lambert, who preferred Christian Benteke and Andreas Weimann in attack for much of his first season in charge.

Ireland has also been a peripheral figure since Lambert joined Villa and will be allowed to leave the club if a suitable offer comes in.