Paper Round: Arsenal put on 'red alert' as Karim Benzema says he is 'fed up'

Arsenal on 'red alert' over Benzema - The Independent say Arsenal have been alerted by the news that Karim Benzema is unhappy at Real Madrid. The reason? He keeps getting substituted by Rafa Benitez. The paper carries the following quotes: "It's true I'm fed up of being taken off. I'm calm and will continue to work so I'm not always substituted. He took me off to get a result, for defensive reasons. It's true that the electronic board always shows the No.9. Ask Benitez why that is."

Paper Round's view: These are very strong quotes as reported at the weekend but it's a leap to suggest that Arsenal suddenly have a chance of signing him, especially as Benzema has scored six goals in six games in La Liga this season and has been far more consistent than Cristiano Ronaldo. Most likely it's a power play by the forward, with Benitez now under pressure to keep him on the pitch. Not that a manager like Benitez will appreciate that. Perhaps if this feud continues Arsenal might have a chance.

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Liverpool could pay Rodgers more than £10m - Liverpool may be rid of Rodgers, but that doesn't mean they don't have to pay him anymore. The Telegraph claim that the Reds owe Rodgers more than £10 million over the next three years. Rodgers' new contract didn't have a provision for early termination so Liverpool have to pay him the roughly £5m per year until the contract runs out. The Reds are hoping to agree to a buyout with Rodgers that would cost them about £7m.

Paper Round's view - The situation with Rodgers and the money owed to him isn't unique. This happens often when managers are fired. Rodgers just happened to be a high-profile and well-paid manager. Usually the two sides agree to a buyout and £7m is a pretty expensive buyout so it's tough to imagine Rodgers putting up a significant block to such a deal. This will cost Liverpool millions, but that's the cost of firing a manager.

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Mourinho needs top-four finish to save job - Jose Mourinho will remain Chelsea's manager so long as they finish in the top four, according to The Evening Standard. The manager met with the Chelsea board and was assured that his job was secure as long as they make the Champions League. Roman Abramovich wants stability at the club and would like Mourinho to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Paper Round's view - It's tough to imagine Chelsea winning the league now. Expectations have to be altered and making the Champions League is a reasonable one. The club had a long run of instability after Mourinho left eight years ago and if they can keep the Portuguese long-term, it would do a lot to set the Blues on a smooth, path for the future. Of course, he does have to keep the team among England's elite.

Sunderland will offer Allardyce job - Sunderland want Sam Allardyce. The Mirror report that the Black Cats will be offered the managerial position at the Stadium of Light and that if he wants the job, it is his. Allardyce isn't sure if he wants to get back into managing, with his sabbatical only five months old, and isn't sure if he will accept Sunderland's offer.

Paper Round's view - Allardyce would be a great hire by Sunderland. He's fantastic at keeping teams from relegation and, at this point, that is the aim at the club. The Black Cats couldn't do much better now, but Allardyce has to know the holes in Sunderland's squad and the owner's unwillingness to spend. It drove Dick Advocaat out and it wouldn't be a shock if Allardyce wasn't interested in cutting his sabbatical short for such a job.

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Arsenal, Newcastle want Tore - Gokhan Tore could be making a Premier League return. The Express believe that Arsenal and Newcastle are interested in signing the former Chelsea man. Tore never made it out of the Chelsea academy, but the Chelsea man has impressed in Germany, Russia and Turkey. Now he's valued at £15m and Besiktas are preparing for January bids from Arsenal and Newcastle.

Paper Round's view - Tore is a decent player, but hardly a world beater. If Arsenal want a major impact player, he's not it. If they want to add front line depth, he can be a useful winger. Newcastle have more problems and taking a chance on a relatively expensive player like Tore in January could bite them if they are relegated, but he could also help keep them up, which would make him worth the money and then some.