Paper Round: I'll miss Manchester derby and be out for a month, says Aguero

Aguero tore a muscle in his left thigh half an hour into the team's opening South American qualifier for the 2018 World Cup in Russia at the River Plate stadium on Thursday.

"I think I'll be a month without playing," Aguero said as he left a Buenos Aires clinic where he had tests. He will now miss Manchester City's game against United on October 25.

Aguero is also quoted in the Guardian as saying: "I'll go the AFA (Argentine Football Association) national team compound to carry on with treatment. To recover from the tear I'll surely need a month although it will depend how it evolves."

Paper Round's view - This is a huge blow for City. Despite their star-studded squad, Aguero has been the one to apply the magic touches for them this season and his fine form culminated in his five goals in 20 minutes against Newcastle. However, injuries happen and if there is a squad that can cope, surely it is City's. Time to earn your money Manuel!

Chelsea ready to back Mourinho with bid for Stones - Despite having a summer offer of £37 million rejected by Everton for defender John Stones, Chelsea are ready to return for the centre-back in January.

They are also set for an audacious bid for PSG defender Marquinhos, reports the Daily Mirror.

Paper Round’s view - Well, Chelsea have just given manager Jose Mourinho the dreaded vote of confidence. If they are serious and actually plan to back their manager then perhaps a sign of this will be to lure Stones to Stamford Bridge with a ridiculous fee. The squad had gone stale after winning the title so fresh blood is needed.

United and City in battle for Buitink - Manchester United are in a race with local rivals City for the signature of Vitesse Arnhem youngster Thomas Buitink, according to the Daily Star.

The 15-year-old has been prolific for Vitesse’s various youth teams, with more than 100 goals and is a Netherlands Under 16 international. Chelsea and Arsenal are also reportedly keen on him.

Paper Round’s view - With those sorts of numbers, even at 15, it is no surprise that the Premier League big boys are interested. But to say with any certainty that he will arrive in the UK at such a young age is a long shot. United’s Dutch manager Louis van Gaal could be a draw for Buitink but it’s still a big ask.

Rodgers was given enough time - Brendan Rodgers was given enough time to save his job, according to Liverpool chiefs. The Daily Mail quotes chairman Tom Werner as saying 'We gave Brendan, as you know, an opportunity to see if we could improve this season. There was some very good football last season and some not so good football.'

Rodgers was sacked last weekend after a 1-1 draw with Everton and has been replaced by former Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp.

Paper Round’s view – Having backed Rodgers in the transfer market over the summer, you would expect Liverpool to have given him more time to allow his squad to gel. They were by no means out of contention for the Champions League places and were starting to put some early defeats behind them. However, this situation was complicated by Klopp. When an extremely successful manager is available, you have to go for him. Rodgers perhaps needed more time but his German replacement is unlikely to do any worse!

United linked with Martins Indi - Manchester United have been linked with Porto defender Bruno Martins Indi, according to the Mirror.

After suffering a defensive crisis against Arsenal and a reported breakdown in Louis van Gaal’s relationship with Marcos Rojo, the Dutch manager is ready to move for his countryman. Martins Indi was part of the Dutch side that shone under Van Gaal at the World Cup.

Paper Round’s view – This seems odd. Yes, United had to play Ashley Young at left-back when they were undone by Arsenal but they really should have enough defenders when everyone is fit. Much depends on the Rojos situation as he will need to be replaced if Van Gaal decides to let him go. Otherwise, surely they could and should have bolstered the defence over the summer.