Paper Round: Real Madrid move in for Moussa Sissoko

Real Madrid are set to move in for Moussa Sissoko, according to The Sun. The Newcastle midfielder has been linked to Madrid, after the La Liga giants failed to capture Valencia's Andre Gomes from their rivals Barcelona. After Sissoko's strong Euro 2016 showing, Madrid have taken notice alongside Arsenal, as the player is trying to leave his now relegated club. The 26-year-old's asking price is reportedly £35 million. If it comes off, it could spell the end for Real Madrid's chase of Paul Pogba, leaving Manchester United free to sign him.

Paper Round's view: It's doubtful anyone would have had Sissoko being linked to Madrid at the start of the season, but he's had admirers such as Arsene Wenger even when not at his best. Newcastle need the cash to fund their rebuild, so expect the first to meet their valuation to walk away with the midifelder.

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Swansea and Stoke are going head to head to capture the services of Joe Allen, according to The Sun. Swansea have publicly confirmed interest in their former player, after Stoke earlier this week put in a bid of £13 million. The report says that while Swansea have conceded it will be up to Allen in which club he chooses, any chance of remaining at Liverpool has been reduced to nil as Jurgen Klopp doesn't have the Welshman in his plans.

Paper Round's view: Perhaps Liverpool have a "sexier" name lined up to replace Allen, but it appears there isn't much of a fight to keep him. Ever since he was asked of Klopp to earn his next contract, he's played some blistering football and is probably worthy to stick around. Stoke or Swansea are set to land quite the asset if Allen continues his form.

Tottenham are on the verge of selling Nabil Bentaleb and Clinton Njie, according to The Mirror. Both players have been told they'll be moved on in this window, with Bentaleb reportedly speaking to clubs all over Europe, while Njie could be heading to Marseille. Njie has been at Spurs just one year after arriving from Lyon last summer for £14 million, while Bentaleb rose up through the club's academy after signing in 2012.

Paper Round's view: It's critical for Spurs to get their depth right for this upcoming season, as many up-and-comers fail to adjust to the rigours of Champions League. While the decision on Njie feels a little hasty, Bentaleb just hasn't managed to perform to a standard that earns him a place on European nights.

A late bid for Ramadan Sobhi has threatened Stoke's hold on the wonderkid, according to The Sun. Serie A club Fiorentina have made a last ditch bid for the 19-year-old attacker, which has stalled Stoke's plans to sign the teenager for £5 million. Despite this last minute issue, Stoke's hierarchy are confident the business will be done, as Sobhi has publicly appeared on Egyptian television to speak about the potential move.

Paper Round's view: It's quite telling how highly rated Ramadan Sobhi is, in that there's already a cross-continental battle for the Egyptian international. Sobhi can play across the front five positions of the pitch, giving him an incredible flexibility that few show as at his age.