While newly-promoted neighbours Birmingham City have had a busy start to the summer, Villa have been distinctly quiet and are in need of recruits having lost Gareth Barry, Stuart Taylor and Martin Laursen.

Lerner thinks the world of O'Neill, who has been at the helm since 2006, and believes he is the right man to continue the club's progression.

improved steadily

The American billionaire is delighted with O'Neill's work to date at Villa Park and has now promised he will have cash to spend this summer in order to strengthen his squad.

"Martin's achievements have been superb," stated Lerner. "We have improved steadily and we have qualified for Europe two seasons in a row.

"He has a reputation as a very good manager, with good success, and that will play a part when players are thinking of coming to Aston Villa. The funds will be in place for him."