Aston Villa have insisted they are "relaxed" about the lack of transfer market activity at the club since the end of last season.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill has "significant funds" made available by owner Randy Lerner to strengthen his squad this summer.

O'Neill has been linked with a host of players but has still to bring in any new blood although West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker is likely to sign for around £7million when the European Under-21 Championships have ended.

Villa head of communications Phil Mepham said: "It would be fair to assume that Martin O'Neill would want the crux of his additions in by July 4th when the players return.

"But he is a manager who would rather not rush things through. If it is the right bloke then he would wait until, say, July 18th. There is no desperate rush to get things sorted. It is all very relaxed."

Mepham confirmed that Villa have still to make an official bid for Reo-Coker although there have been discussions between the two clubs.

He said: "Alan Curbishley said last weekend there had been no bid from Villa and that is how things stand. If there was ever any credence to the Reo-Coker reports that Villa wanted to sign him, then that would not happen anyway while he is away with the Under-21s."