Paul Lambert cool on Aston Villa link as Ole says no

Paul Lambert has played down speculation linking him with the Villa job less than 24 hours after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dramatically ruled himself out of the running.

The Norwich boss gave a prickly response to questions about his own future when he was quizzed after a testimonial for Adam Drury against Celtic at Carrow Road.

The Express & Star understands Lambert has yet to be approached by Villa, but remains in the frame to replace Alex McLeish.

"There is no point asking me. I am telling you I am not going to answer anything about that," said Lambert.

"This isn't the time for those questions. I am delighted I am at Norwich if that is what you are asking. I have never said a word that I want to get away. Not a thing. People jump to conclusions about what I say or don't say."

Former Manchester United striker Solskjaer had been the overwhelming favourite for the job after he was flown over in the private jet of Villa owner Randy Lerner for talks last week.

It is understood the discussions with Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner had been positive and all the noises coming out of Norway had suggested the 39-year-old would take the job, especially after an apparent falling out with the hierarchy of his current club Molde.

Solskjaer and his agent, Jim Solbakken, met with Molde's billionaire backer Kjell Inge Rokke in Oslo last night where it was assumed they would discuss the terms of his departure from the club. However, Solskjaer has instead elected to remain in Norway for personal reasons and is thought to have patched up his differences with Rokke.

One of the major stumbling blocks to Solskjaer's possible departure to Villa had been a reluctance to uproot his wife and three young children having only recently returned to Norway to take up his first managerial post with Molde in 2010.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is also on Villa's list of targets although he is currently on holiday.