Birmingham Mail: Charles N'Zogbia is hoping the free role handed to him by Paul Lambert can help him inspire goal-shy Villa's Premier League survival mission. N'Zogbia has been used in a central attacking role behind Christian Benteke in recent games and has shown a willingness to spark the claret and blues into life by running at defenders and getting shots away.

Birmingham Mail: Premier League learner Joe Bennett admits there is scope for him to improve defensively - but insists he still feels more comfortable playing at full-back than in midfield. Bennett hopes to have completely shaken off a flu bug in time for Villa's crunch Premier League derby at Albion on Saturday after missing last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Southampton.

Birmingham Mail: Daniel Johnson's 72nd-minute penalty looked to have ensured a hard-earned point for Villa at Bodymoor Heath, but two late goals gave Boro a deserved victory. It was an entertaining match in the second tier of the Barclays Under-21 League, with the visitors taking the lead a minute before the interval when defender Christian Burgess headed in a cross by Luke Williams.

Guardian: Fulham are interested in Stephen Warnock, the former England international who is surplus to requirements at Aston Villa.

Guardian: The midfielder Moussa Sissoko has emerged as a potential target for Aston Villa. The 23-year-old is believed to be under consideration by the manager, Paul Lambert.

Daily Star: Toulouse's French international Moussa Sissoko is on Aston Villa's shopping list. Villa boss Paul Lambert has vowed to add strength to his midfield this month and Sissoko fits the bill.

Daily Express: Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne will return to training later this week after undergoing three operations this season.

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