Birmingham Mail: Villa have signed Middlesbrough left-back Joe Bennett - and are considering a move for Chesterfield striker Jordan Bowery while awaiting Genk's final answer on Christian Benteke. Bennett became the fifth signing of the summer yesterday when he joined Paul Lambert's claret and blues on a four-year deal for an initial fee believed to be £2.5million plus add-ons.

Birmingham Mail: Stephen Ireland has set his sights on winning a new contract at Villa after admitting he is finally playing football with a smile on his face. Ireland is tied to the claret and blues until the summer of 2014 having signed a four-year deal when he arrived from Manchester City in August 2010.

The Sun: Aston Villa have signed Joe Bennett from Middlesbrough for £2.5million - pushing Stephen Warnock nearer the exit door. Full-back Bennett, 22, fits boss Paul Lambert's desire for young and hungry players.

Daily Star: Stephen Ireland wants a new Aston Villa contract - so he can set up goals for Darren Bent. The Irishman starred on his return to the side in Tuesday's Capital One Cup 3-0 win over Tranmere.

Mirror: Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has made a late move to sign Lazio forward Mauro Zarate. He is looking to take the 25-year-old Argentinian on loan with a view to a permanent move.

Mirror: Stephen Ireland insists he is ready to get Darren Bent firing again after returning his favoured creative position. The Aston Villa midfielder was recalled for the 3-0 League Cup win over Tranmere when he was man of the match as Bent netted.

Daily Express: Aston Villa have signed Middlesbrough left-back Joe Bennett on a £2.5m, four-year deal and hope to tie up a move for Genk's Christian Benteke.

Daily Mail: Stephen Ireland returned to Aston Villa's line-up with a man-of-the-match display in Tuesday's Capita One Cup win over Tranmere, and now wants a new deal. The midfielder set up two goals in the 3-0 victory and said: "Paul Lambert is a good guy. He's been fair with me."

Daily Telegraph: Paul Lambert has stepped up his efforts to land Genk striker Christian Benteke by making a third and final £5.5million offer for the Belgian international.

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