Paul Lambert's early summer transfer dealings have been given the thumbs up by a man who knows exactly what it's like to lead a team into the Premier League.

Iain Dowie, who took Crystal Palace up in 2004, says Lambert has done 'good business' in summer market – before most of his new rivals have got off the ground.

Lambert added Everton's James Vaughan and Millwall striker Steve Morison – a player Dowie clearly admires.

'Norwich have done good business already,' said Dowie. 'They've signed Steve Morison from Millwall, who is a real handful.

'I watched him play against Middlesbrough twice last season and he was too much for the Boro centre-halves.

'So they've got him, James Vaughan and they look likely to be getting Bradley Johnson. The business has been done nice and early by Paul Lambert, whose managerial experience isn't vast, but whose playing CV stands up to scrutiny.

'He's done a massive job with Norwich in getting back-to back promotions. He's worked under Martin O'Neill so maybe he understands how to get the job done.

'There is a lot of positivity at that club.'

Swansea have signed Watford striker Danny Graham for a club record �3.5 and are chasing Tottenham youngster Steven Caulker, but will lose out-of-contract midfielder Darren Pratley to Bolton and are fending off interest in centre-half Ashley Williams and left-back Neil Taylor.

And Dowie believes Swansea need to strengthen in defence if they are to survive next season.

'Swansea played the best football in the Championship bar none,' he said. 'That said, I think (manager) Brendan Rodgers will accept that they were outplayed at times by Reading in the play-off final. Yet they found a way to win and sometimes when it's your time, it's your time.

'I don't think Brendan will change that 4-3-3 formation as it allows them to be nice and solid, but he knows he needs to tighten up at the back.'

QPR, a side Dowie played for and managed, have yet to recruit, although Williams is said to be on their shopping list.

'QPR have got a very good chance of staying up if they can settle things down,' said Dowie. 'There is a little bit of turmoil going on behind the scenes, but they've got a manager who knows his way around the division having been there with Sheffield United.

'They've got a very good defensive base which will help them; they kept 25 clean sheets last season. They're also very good at home in the tight surroundings of Loftus Road. They don't need a major overhaul, but I sense with the right investment they have the opportunity to do well.'