Birmingham Mail: Brad Guzan has admitted it was too hard to turn his back on Aston Villa despite officially leaving the club this summer. The American goalkeeper was released at the end of last season after failing to sign the contract extension that he was offered.

Birmingham Mail: Paul Lambert has admitted he often calls up former Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill for advice - and he has every intention of carrying on doing so. The current Villa boss was captain under O'Neill when Celtic enjoyed a trophy-laden spell between 2000-2005.

Daily Mail: Being 'the next anybody' isn't easy, not least when what determines whether you fulfill that promise is taken out of your hands. Marc Albrighton was one such lazy, hastily written headlines, a right-sided midfielder with balls in his brain as well as at his feet, and his youthful exuberance electrified the last days of Martin O'Neill's reign as Aston Villa manager.

The Sun: Newcastle and Aston Villa are trailing Burnley's Charlie Austin. But Clarets chief John Banaszkiewicz said: "He has a lengthy contract."

Goal.com: Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph is adamant that he wants to have a big impact at the club this season. The 21-year-old has endured a tough start to his career with the Villans, with injuries limiting his playing time, making just 41 appearances for the club since his £8 million move for Leeds in 2009.

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