Aston Villa trio heading for loan exits?

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert will reportedly allow three of his fringe players to leave the club on a loan basis.

Lambert boosted his squad with six new signings during the summer, which has resulted in some of last term's players dropping down the pecking order at Villa Park.

One of those is Ciaran Clark, who is Lambert's fifth option at centre-back following the arrival of Philippe Senderos and the return to fitness of Jores Okore, according to the Birmingham Mail.

The report has claimed that Republic of Ireland defender is on the loan list, along with full-back Matthew Lowton and midfielder Chris Herd.

It is also thought that youngsters Enda Stevens and Callum Robinson could also be allowed to leave.