Former Aston Villa star Paul Merson says they need an experienced midfield signing.

Merson wants boss Paul Lambert to bring in an experienced midfielder - otherwise he fears his old club will not beat the drop.

He told the Daily Star Sunday: "If you had to pick one team to go down from the Premier League at the moment, you would say Villa.

"Look at Reading and QPR, they are picking up points and going after new players.

"Lambert needs a ball player who will put his foot on the ball and dictate. He should have bought someone like that by now."