Aston Villa close to naming Norwich City's Paul Lambert as their new manager Villa are convinced that the £1million demanded by Norwich for Lambert is null and void because of a clause in his contract that allows him to speak to another Premier League club. Norwich refused Lambert permission to speak to Villa earlier this week, triggering the Scot's resignation, which was refused because it could scupper claims for compensation. Lambert is believed to have taken legal advice before making his decision and Villa are adamant that the only dialogue they were undertaking was over the three-year contract for the 42 year-old. Villa are expected to unveil him officially on Wednesday and Lambert is poised to raid his old club for Ian Culverhouse, who has been his assistant at both Carrow Road and Colchester. Lambert has already discussed transfer targets with Villa chairman Randy Lerner and a £3million bid for Grant Holt, the Norwich forward, is likely. Holt scored 15 goals last season and is seen as an ideal replacement for Emile Heskey, who quit Villa Park last month after his contract expired. Holt, 31, has two years to run on his £15,000-a-week contract and had a transfer request rejected by the Norwich board. Norwich are determined to drive a hard bargain with Lambert by demanding £3million but Holt reiterated his intention to leave on Friday. He tweeted: "Just to stop the rumour mill again. I have expressed to the board and the CEO that I want to leave the football club. Due to disagreements. I have loved my three years at the club and it sadness [sic] me to right [sic] this but want use [sic] to here [sic] it from me first. Norwich chief executive David McNally said: "We are looking for a new manager, that is likely to be what we concentrate on in the next few weeks."