Birmingham Mail: Paul Lambert is considering cancelling morning training during Villa's American tour because the sweltering conditions are "unforgiving". During the first leg of the tour in Philadelphia, Lambert and his coaches put the players through their paces during the early sessions.

Birmingham Mail: Karim El Ahmadi is set to have a ball with Villa - after remembering the days when a ball was all he had. El Ahmadi has already shown flashes of his ability in possession during the claret and blues' pre-season tour.

Birmingham Mail: Andy Marshall has revealed how a blast from his past is helping give Villa an intensive boost for the future. Marshall recalls new coach Ian Culverhouse from their days playing together at Norwich more than two decades ago.

The Sun: Darren Bent refuses to accept there is a Rocky road ahead for strikers despite Spain conquering Europe without one. Vicente Del Bosque's controversial 6-4-0 line-ups enhanced his reputation as one of world football's top tacticians and Spain as the world's undisputed No 1. But the Aston Villa strike ace, 28, who visited the famous Balboa statue in Philadelphia, does not fear becoming an endangered species.

Sporting Life: Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has dismissed rumours linking him with a move for former Manchester United striker Michael Owen. Everton and Stoke are reportedly keen on the ex-England international, who was released by Manchester United this summer, but they will have no competition for Villa for his services.

ESPN: Paul Lambert has insisted Aston Villa are not in the running for former Manchester United striker Michael Owen. Owen is on the lookout for a new club following his release from Old Trafford earlier in the summer. Everton and Stoke have strongly linked, while Villa's name has been added to the mix - and reports in Australia claim Melbourne Heart are planning a bid.

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