Birmingham Mail: Paul Lambert is stamping his own mark on Villa's scouting system as the new boss himself continues to earmark signings for his claret and blue revolution. Lambert, who has already identified several transfer targets, intends to bring in his own people to head up the scouting network, but most of the other existing infrastructure and scouting personnel will remain.

Birmingham Mail: Marc Albrighton hopes he is finally injury-free as he looks to impress the new manager and overcome the 'second season syndrome' which blighted his previous campaign.

Daily Express: Aston Villa are on the brink of signing Feyenoord's Moroccan midfielder Karim El Ahmadi for £3m.

Birmingham Mail: Former favourite Carlos Cuellar is reportedly close to agreeing a two-year deal with ex-Villa boss Martin O'Neill at Sunderland.

Sun: Emile Heskey is about to complete a hat-trick by joining Hull's new boss Steve Bruce. Former England striker Heskey has been freed by Aston Villa. He played under Bruce at Birmingham and Wigan.

Independent: Aston Villa winger Marc Albrighton has recovered from a thigh problem and will be fully fit for the start of pre-season training on July 5. Albrighton suffered the same setback on three separate occasions last season and missed the finale of the Barclays Premier League campaign. But he has been given the thumbs-up by Villa's medical team after having the injury checked during the summer break.

Clubcall: Marc Albrighton is looking forward to returning to pre-season training as he is relishing the prospect of working with Paul Lambert.

Clubcall: Aston Villa look like they will have to wait until early next week before sealing the signing of Feyenoord midfielder Karim El Ahmadi.

Setanta Sports: Marc Albrighton is looking forward to returning to pre-season training as he is relishing the prospect of working with Paul Lambert.

Setanta Sports: Aston Villa look like they will have to wait until early next week before sealing the signing of Feyenoord midfielder Karim El Ahmadi.

*The extracts on this page are taken from various newspapers and media outlets. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Aston Villa.