Express and Star: Brett Holman was today hopeful he will get an opportunity to prove himself in his favoured midfield position for Villa. The Australia playmaker has made a bright start to life at the club since he joined claret and blues on a Bosman transfer from AZ Alkmaar.

TEAMtalk: Ciaran Clark has praised the spirit in the Aston Villa camp and says that the squad are thriving under the guidance of new boss Paul Lambert. The 22-year-old insists the optimism at Bodymoor Heath has rocketed after a dismal campaign under Alex McLeish last term, and Clark admits former Norwich man Paul Lambert has been key in bringing a new intensity to training and a regime the side are relishing.

TheFA.com: Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott returns to his hometown on Sunday and will be hoping to take away more happy memories from Villa Park as the Sky Blues contest this year's Community Shield against Chelsea. The Birmingham-born star grew up supporting Aston Villa along with many of his family and has had a chequered past against his boyhood heroes, but his more recent memories are good ones.

Sporting Life: Villarreal have confirmed the signing of former Villa defender Olof Mellberg. The 34-year-old helped Olympiacos win the Greek league and cup double last season before playing a key role for Sweden during the European Championship.

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Sky Sports: Sky Sports understands that West Ham United have agreed a deal with Marseille for France international midfielder Alou Diarra.

BBC Sport: Leeds United Supporters' Trust (LUST) has confirmed that a proposed deal to buy the club has collapsed after more than two months of negotiations.

Sky Sports: Sky Sports understands Liverpool have informed Swansea they are ready to pay the £15million fee to trigger the release clause in Joe Allen's contract.

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