Martin O'Neill has held initial talks with Aston Villa chairman-owner Randy Lerner regarding possible summer transfer targets. O'Neill has operated with the smallest squad in the Premier League during the current campaign and fortunate to pick up few major injuries during the push for a European spot.

The Villa manager knows he has to add a significant number of players this summer particularly with defender Olof Mellberg departing for Juventus and midfielder Patrik Berger and goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen out of contract.

Lerner is currently in England and O'Neill has wasted no time in speaking to the multi-millionaire and owner of NFL side Cleveland Browns.

O'Neill, whose side visit Everton - their main rivals for a UEFA Cup spot - on Sunday, confirmed: "I've had a conversation with the chairman in the early part of this week and we've decided that we want to get things up and running.

"I haven't gone out and actively pursued targets but we are scouting players all over Europe.

"For us to challenge, we need to address a number of things - including the size of the squad for a start.

"I've been delighted with the players here and what they've achieved this season. It has been a tremendous effort by everyone to get us to where we are with three games to go.

"But if we are going to sustain a big campaign next season - possibly including Europe and hopefully having runs in the domestic cup competitions - then we will need a bigger squad."

O'Neill added: "We have been fortunate in terms of injuries this season and, with early exits from the cups, we have been able to sustain things when basically playing only once a week.

"I think we can get more competition for places and that, with a bit of real quality, is our aim and something we have a real drive and determination to achieve."

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