Source: Daily_Mail
O'Neill calls on Lerner to splash cash as Villa boss fears Spurs and City revival
Martin O'Neill has told owner Randy Lerner he will have to open his cheque book this summer if Aston Villa are to build on this season's push for a place in the Champions League.[LNB]O'Neill expects Manchester City and Tottenham to be his side's major rivals next term and Villa scouts are scouring the country for new signings.The Villa boss is due to meet American businessman Lerner this week to discuss his plans for next season.[LNB][LNB] [LNB] Fearful: Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill believes City and Spurs pose biggest threat[LNB]And O'Neill said: 'I have been checking out players up and down thecountry - any country. We had about 15 games covered at the weekend allover the place.[LNB]'If we are going to keep going in the way we are doing, then trying to improve the side means trying to compete.[LNB]'It will not be easy next season. Manchester City will be verystrong. They have got the financial clout to do something about it.[LNB]'Tottenham Hotspur spent big in January just to get out of trouble so you canimagine, with the hope and expectation with Harry Redknapp coming there, thatthey will also have the wherewithal.[LNB]'I will be speaking with Randy (Lerner). If it is not this week,then it will be the week after. We will get a chance the next time heis over (from America).'[LNB]O'Neill believes Lerner is happy with the progress being made by Villa,who for a long time were challenging strongly for a Champions Leaguespot before a recent slump in fortunes.[LNB]O'Neill added: 'Randy has been pretty excited about the way we have played and sees this season as one of progress.'[LNB] Bolton 1 Aston Villa 1: O'Neill backs Young's England bidVilla boss O'Neill confident Petrov will sign new dealASTON VILLA FC
