Birmingham Mail: Forgotten man Jean II Makoun is poised to join Rennes on a season-long loan, with Villa unlikely to do further business before the Premier League kick-off on Saturday.

Birmingham Mail: Villa's new head of European scouting, Michael Henke, will scour the continent for players with the right talent, technique and temperament to improve the claret and blues.

Birmingham Mail: Shay Given is relishing his battle with Brad Guzan after admitting protecting his No.1 jersey at Villa was among the reasons for retiring from international duty.

Daily Mirror: Shay Given has warned Aston Villa's new foreign players to expect a "baptism of fire" at West Ham on Saturday.

The Sun: Aston Villa have appointed Michael Henke as their head of European scouting.

Birmingham Mail: Villa's U19s will be keen to move on to the next challenge after their NextGen Series opener against Sporting Lisbon ended in a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Villa Park.

Best of the Rest

The Sun: Alex Ferguson has landed Robin van Persie for £22m. And he promised him the chance to form a dream partnership at Manchester United with Wayne Rooney.

BBC Sport: Robin van Persie could score the goals that will win Manchester United the Premier League title, according to ex-Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp.

Sky Sports: Sky Sports sources understand that a deal has been agreed between Tottenham and Real Madrid for the sale of Luka Modric.

BBC Sport: England boss Roy Hodgson said the return of midfielders Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick played a key part in his side's 2-1 victory over Italy.

Sky Sports: Bolton Wanderers have announced that Fabrice Muamba has retired from playing professional football.

Daily Mirror: Liverpool will sell Charlie Adam for a knockdown £5m - and Everton boss David Moyes is poised to make a sensational move for him.

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