Birmingham Mail: Gabby Agbonlahor has laughed off speculation linking him with Sunderland - and insisted he will be an Aston Villa player for as long as he is still wanted. Agbonlahor is a reported target for former manager Martin O'Neill at the Stadium of Light but he has heard nothing of substance about the rumours.

Birmingham Mail: Barry Bannan reckons his potential new central midfield partner is the 'Karim' of the crop after confidently gliding through his first few Aston Villa games. New boy Karim El Ahmadi has earned an army of claret and blue admirers for his performances here in the States - and Bannan is most definitely among them.

Birmingham Mail: "Maybe I'm just a bit weird compared to other people, but somebody will kick me and I'll be like 'Oh yes - I'm back!' Fabian Delph knows better than most the gruelling 'no pain, no gain' rules of rehabilitation, having spent previous pre-seasons at Villa out injured.

Daily Mail: Gabriel Agbonlahor has dismissed transfer speculation linking him with a move to hook-up with Martin O'Neill at Sunderland. Agbonlahor spent four years under O'Neill at Villa Park but wants to focus on the new regime under Paul Lambert and playing alongside Darren Bent.

The Sun: Gabby Agbonlahor claims there is not a Black Cat in hell's chance of him joining ex-boss Martin O'Neill at Sunderland. The Aston Villa striker is focused on convincing new manager Paul Lambert he is the perfect partner for Darren Bent.

Sky Sports: Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has played down speculation that he is set to join former boss Martin O'Neill at Sunderland. The 25-year-old England striker is believed to be O'Neill's radar as he looks to bring in an experienced forward.

ESPN: Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has dismissed speculation linking him with a move to Sunderland. There have been reports that Agbonlahor, 25, is keen on a switch to the Stadium of Light to work under former Villa boss Martin O'Neill.

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