Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has explained why they didn't push to sign Clint Dempsey.

Dempsey eventually signed for Tottenham on Friday from Fulham.

Villa had a chance to go back in for Dempsey before he joined Spurs, but Lambert was frustrated by Dempsey's attitude towards the claret and blues.

"I thought enough was enough," said Lambert. "It's never been my policy to overstep the mark. I want people who want to be here."