Express and Star: Aston Villa new-boy Karim El Ahmadi today revealed the chance to play alongside star players like Darren Bent helped convince him to join the claret and blues. El Ahmadi was unveiled as new Villa manager Paul Lambert's first signing after he joined from Feyenoord for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £3m.

Setanta Sports: Marc Albrighton says Karim El Ahmadi will be a "big asset" after he sacrificed the chance to play in the Champions League for Villa. Midfielder El Ahmadi has become the first signing of new Villa manager Paul Lambert on a three year contract from Feyenoord.

Sporting Life: Fulham's Pajtim Kasami and Aston Villa goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist have been named in Switzerland's squad for London 2012. The pair are the only British-based players included in the 18-man Olympic squad, although former West Ham midfielder Valon Behrami, now of Fiorentina, has been included as one of three over-23 team members.

TEAMtalk: Marc Albrighton believes Aston Villa newcomer Karim El Ahmadi will be a "big asset" next season, saying: "It's great to see Karim come in." Midfielder El Ahmadi has become the first signing of new Villa manager Paul Lambert on a three year contract from Feyenoord. Ahmadi sacrificed the chance to play in the Champions League to join the Midlands club.

Sky Sports: Fulham midfielder Pajtim Kasami and Aston Villa goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist have been named in Switzerland's squad for the Olympic Games in London. The pair are the only Premier League-based players included in the 18-man Olympic squad, although former West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami, now at Fiorentina, has been included as one of three over-23 team members.

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