Paper Round: Diego Costa hospitalised with mystery illness

Costa hospitalised: Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been taken to hospital with a mystery illness, according to a report in The Sun. The Spaniard faces a fight to be fit for the weekend's encounter with Manchester United after suffering from a severe bug since his return from international duty last week. He also picked up a groin strain while with Spain to add to his ongoing hamstring issues. The paper claims Costa's condition has improved since receiving hospital treatment but he is still a huge doubt for Sunday's match at Old Trafford.

Paper Round's view: Given his early goal return, Costa has undoubtedly been one of, if not THE signing of the summer, but these myriad issues will be of some concern to Chelsea. Not one, not two, but three ailments are currently hampering the striker. Only time will tell if these are long-term issues, but missing the United game will be a major blow for Jose Mourinho's side - big-money signings are supposed to play in big games. In his possible absence, and perhaps that of Loic Remy too, the mantle will be taken up by Didier Drogba. And while the Ivorian will be a handful for United's leaky defence, he is clearly past his best.

- - -

Saints target Kuyt: Southampton boss Ronald Koeman is keen on bringing Dirk Kuyt back to the Premier League, according to the Daily Mirror. The former Liverpool man has spent the last two seasons with Fenerbahce but Koeman has a long-standing interest in his fellow Dutchman, having tried to sign him when in charge of Feyenoord two years ago. Koeman is now ready to try to land him once more, with Kuyt out of contract in Istanbul at the end of the season.

Paper Round's view: Kuyt is 34 and way past his best, but could still provide useful and versatile back-up for Koeman - he can play up front or out wide. And with his contract up in the summer, he could come cheap, even if Fenerbahce look to cash in during the January transfer window.

- - -

Liverpool not concerned by Sterling report: A report that Raheem Sterling stayed out until 3am just 24 hours after telling England manager Roy Hodgson that he was tired is of no concern to his club Liverpool, according to the Daily Mirror. The Sun initially reported that Sterling was spotted at a trendy London nightclub with Danny Welbeck, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jonjo Shelvey with a source telling that paper that "Raheem was even up on the chairs dancing." But Liverpool are believed not to be worried by the reports about Sterling, who is teetotal and who reported for training on Wednesday morning as expected. He even went on to play a key role in his side's comeback win at QPR over the weekend.

Paper Round's view: Good. In terms of energy expenditure, there is absolutely no comparison between playing 90 minutes of international football and enjoying a night out with friends, even if that included "dancing on tables". As long as he didn't break any club rules - and there is no suggestion he did - Sterling was perfectly entitled to his evening out.

- - -

North London duo join winger race: Tottenham and Arsenal have entered the battle to sign winger Demarai Gray, according to The Sun. The Birmingham midfielder is being watched by all of the Premier League's top clubs, including Liverpool, who have a 'matching clause' which means they must be informed of any bid for Gray. The England U19 international has 18 months left on his current deal at St Andrew's and was subject to a £500,000 bid from Crystal Palace in August. He is rated at £2m.

Paper Round's view: By all accounts Gray is a real prospect for the future so it comes as no surprise to hear that Arsenal and Spurs are in the race to sign him. But it seems that Liverpool are in the box seat, after agreeing their arrangement with Birmingham after loaning Jordan Ibe to the Blues last season.

- - -