Lambert hits January sales

PAUL LAMBERT will be given a survival fund to splash this month in a bid to rescue Stoke from relegation trouble.

The new Potters boss (right) will meet with the owners today to discuss potential targets – and the size of his war chest.

Stoke are unlikely to break the bank but Lambert,rt, 48, can expect some cash tto get the club away from the relegation zone.

Former Aston Villa manager Lambert was the club’s surprise choice after Martin O’Neill and Quique Sanchez Flores turned down the job – and Derby kept a firm grip on Gary Rowett. Lambert jumped at the chance to return to Premier League management despite Stoke’s current ppredicament. TThere is a realisation that ththe squad needs s strengthening as last year money was spent on the bet365 Stadium rather t than new players. Former boss Mark Hughes wentt along with the club’s vision but Stoke will now look to push through some deals because they are desperate to stay up. Lambert was keen to work with British owners again after bad experiences with foreign landlords at Wolves, Blackburn and Villa.