The league leaders' boss says he needs at least one player in the New Year - whatever the outcome of a make-or-break week in his side's Premiership title challenge.

Main priority is a replacement for Mark Bosnich, currently injured and set to leave on a free transfer next summer.

Gregory is being linked with Netherlands and Ajax keeper Edwin van der Sar, a player who would be his first senior foreign signing.

Bosnich: Shoulder op but expected to leave in summer

Gregory's side impressed in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United and now face equally important games at Chelsea on Wednesday and at home to Arsenal next Sunday.

But he said: "If we had managed to take nine points from these three games it would not have altered my thinking for the future.

"By next Sunday evening I might have a good guideline as to how good or bad we are but whatever happens I need to add one more player to the squad after Christmas. I don't think that will change."

Meanwhile midfielder Alan Thompson has given Gregory a boost by insisting he will be fit for the Stamford Bridge clash.

Thompson left Villa Park on Saturday with his foot heavily bandaged after having his best game for the club since his £4.5m summer move from Bolton.

Stan Collymore is also back in contention on Wednesday after missing the last two games - at Nottingham Forest because of flu and against United through suspension.

But with Julian Joachim scoring three times in those two games, Collymore may find himself on the bench.

Meanwhile Villa are offering a cut-price rate to their 20,000 season ticket holders for their FA Cup tie with Division Three strugglers Hull City.