Paper Round: Shock five-way battle for Barcelona star

Premier League trio chase Busquets: Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are all interested in making a summer move for Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets. "The Spain international is one of world football's top midfield schemers, and is also being hunted by the likes of Bayern Munich and PSG," reports The Express. Barcelona are said to want to tie the World Cup winner to a new long-term deal.

Paper Round’s view: Alongside his more illustrious colleagues – think Andres Iniesta or Xavi Hernandez – Busquets is an underappreciated commodity but his contribution to this Barcelona side cannot and should not be under-estimated - having said that his performance level this last year or so has tapered off so a move abroad for a fresh challenge could reinvigorate the La Masia product. If he was to leave, it would constitute a shock but, ultimately, the decision lies with Busquets: if he is content at the Camp Nou then fully expect him to sign a new deal but the offer of a new challenge may prove too strong.

- - -

Liverpool and Arsenal join race for Coentrao: There is now a three-way fight to secure the services of out of favour Real Madrid left-back Fabio Coentrao, according to The Express. Coentrao has been high on Manchester United’s wish list since last January but The Express reports that "both Brendan Rodgers and Arsene Wenger have thrown their hats in the ring.”

Paper Round’s view: United’s interest in Coentrao is well documented but after the signings of Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo do United really need to reignite their interest? Probably not. While both Arsenal and Liverpool could do with an upgrade at left back, they would be better served spending their time and money on other areas – namely defensive midfield or centre back.

- - -

City to move for De Bruyne: Manchester City are to make a January move for former Chelsea midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, says the Daily Star. De Bruyne moved from Chelsea to Wolfsburg last January and the paper reports that "Manuel Pellegrini believes the 23-year-old would be a worthwhile addition to his team and could help pip his former side to the Premier League title come the end of the season."

Paper Round’s view: Wolfsburg are said to want at least £20 million for the former Chelsea star, which does not sound like a lot of money but given the fact that De Bruyne would be far from a guaranteed starter then that £20 million – and that is best case scenario – does start to seem quite the investment. City must also take into account FFP too. This is not to say this deal won’t happen, though.

- - -

Palace table bid for Souare: Crystal Palace have made a £2.5 million bid for Lille left back Pape Souare. That’s the story coming out of the Daily Mail, who reports that Palace “have settled on Souare as he will snub joining up with Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations."

Paper Round’s view: With Palace highly unlikely to succeed with their audacious swoop for Roma’s Ashley Cole, this seems a deal that is within their budget and Lille need the money. A move that would benefit both parties.

- - -

Inter eye Lennon swoop: Out of favour Spurs winger Aaron Lennon may be offered the chance to resurrect his career in the black and blue stripes of Inter Milan, according to the Daily Star. Lennon has fallen out of favour with manager Mauricio Pochettino this season and the paper reports that "Spurs want at least £7million for Lennon but Inter will offer midfielder Fredy Guarin, 28, in part exchange."

Paper Round’s view: This is one that does seem to have a decent chance of happening. Lennon has fallen well down the pecking order and didn’t even get a place on the bench on Saturday. Guarin is a player of international calibre who operates in an area that Spurs are known to want to strengthen so the deal makes sense for both clubs, so, in essence, it is up to the players.