Paper Round: United’s shocking Falcao revelation

United could renege on Falcao deal: The Daily Express reports what they describe as the "startling revelation" that Manchester United could get rid of Radamel Falcao - if he suffers a recurrence of his knee problems. Falcao missed the World Cup after injuring his ACL whilst playing for Monaco in Ligue 1 and, while United put the player through a number of rigorous fitness tests ahead of his loan move, they would send him back to Monaco were he to suffer a recurrence of the injury during his loan spell at Old Trafford. Or, as the Express puts it, they would "tear up his contract".

Paper Round’s view: This story is entirely plausible - but it is hardly a "startling revelation". Given United are paying Falcao the thick end of £300,000 a week in wages, it would in fact be truly remarkable if they did not have a plan to limit their liabilities if Falcao suffered another knee injury. Either way, it matters little in terms of Falcao's playing time - if he were to sustain another cruciate ligament injury that would virtually end his season anyway. In any case, modern medical procedures have improved to the point that many players with cruciate injuries suffer no recurrence - and although he has not scored for United yet, Falcao has looked very sprightly in his early appearances for the club.

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Liverpool set to move for Hart: Liverpool have emerged as potential suitors for Joe Hart, reports the Metro. Hart currently has two years left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium but the club are yet to open negotiations regarding a new deal for the England goalkeeper. “Anything about a new contract is news to me,” Hart said. “I’ve heard nothing. I’ve got a year, nearly two years, left on my deal. That is all I am aware of.”

Paper Round’s view: Simon Mignolet is yet to fully convince as number one at Liverpool so it is little surprise that the club are looking at alternatives. Hart’s name is a surprise though. Whether City would be willing to sell to a Premier League rival is another matter. Why are City are allowing Hart’s contract to run down in such a manner? If he gets into the last year of his deal then he will be in a great bargaining position. Liverpool have also shown an interest in Victor Valdes so if that move goes through then they may cool their interest in Hart.

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Host of Premier League clubs set to swoop for Roberts: Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal are tracking Fulham stalwart Patrick Roberts, reports the Daily Mirror. Roberts, 17, has a contract with the west London club until 2016 but it is thought that Fulham would struggle to resist a bid of £10 million.

Paper Round’s view: Roberts is a very talented young player but we have been here before. Young players are better served by game time rather than a move to a big club. City and United are very well stocked in the forward roles that Roberts would be looking to fill, as are Arsenal. Basically, at the age of 17, Roberts should be in no rush to secure his big move elsewhere. An apprenticeship in the Championship will serve him well.

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Ashley backs Pardew: Mike Ashley has promised Alan Pardew time to turnaround Newcastle’s season, reports the Sun. Ashley has no intention to end Pardew’s four-year reign at Newcastle despite their poor start to the season. Pardew will be given until Christmas but if the Magpies are still in relegation trouble then Ashley will have no choice but to remove the former West Ham and Southampton manager from his post.

Paper Round’s view: What does Alan Pardew have to do to get sacked? A lot, by the looks of things – he has, of course, got away with head-butting a player, so a run of poor results is hardly going to jolt Ashley into action. However, Ashley is a businessman. If there is a chance come Christmas that Newcastle could get relegated then expect Ashley to remove Pardew as he will not countenance another drop into the Championship and the accompanying drop in revenue.

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