Paul Lambert is clearly unfinished with his business in this summer's transfer market and has been making a number of late bids, in order to strengthen his squad before Friday. The latest bid is said to be that of 24 year old central midfielder Stephens, who has been in impressive form for Charlton, mainly in their promotion to the Championship from League One last season.

Lambert, who already has a good working relationship with Villa owner Randy Lerner, has seen his side lose two matches on the trot and is now desperate to bring in some new blood, in order to reinforce his side. Having already dipped tenderly into the market with signings of Vlaar, Howton and El Ahmadi, Lambert is now pulling all strings possible to pull in a couple more players through the doors of Villa Park.

Charlton will be reluctant to sell their playmaker Stephens, who despite only signing from Oldham last year, has already impressed for the Addicks and is quickly becoming one of their star players.