Paper Round: John Stones tells Everton he wants to leave for City

John Stones has told Everton boss Ronald Koeman he wants to leave for Manchester City, according to The Sun. The report says that Stones and his representatives have informed the Dutchman that he wants to leave for City, where a £45 million deal is on the cards between the two clubs. Guardiola is open to both a cash fee or a player swap for Stones, as he is keen for a defensive overhaul at the Etihad.

Paper Round's view: Everton have to cut their losses sooner or later and sell. With that kind of money, there will no doubt be a cheaper replacement for Stones somewhere. Guardiola needs Stones after Aymeric Laporte went off the market, so there's no point delaying the inevitable.

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Chelsea have jumped into pole position to sign Axel Witsel, according to The Sun. The report says that Antonio Conte is desperate to sign the Zenit midfielder, as Nemanja Matic is set to exit the club. Chelsea have jumped to the front of interested buyers, hijacking Everton who were close to signing, but also other interested parties in Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli.

Paper Round's view: Chelsea have left this one really late, but a strong effort to get Witsel is nearly over the line. Very likely he'll be allowed freedom in central midfield, while someone else is set to play as the defensive midfield anchor. Definitely a talent, and now we can see whether he can cut it with the best.

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West Ham have targeted Carlos Bacca of AC Milan, according to The Sun. The report says West Ham want the striker because they will compete in the Europa League next season, with his signature being a top priority to Slaven Bilic. Milan are reportedly willing to sell for below his £25.4 million buy-out clause, as the club look to balance their books as they welcome new owners. Atletico Madrid are also keeping an eye on Bacca, leaving an outside chance the Hammers have competition.

Paper Round's view: It is genuinely surprising that more clubs aren't lining up for the services of Bacca, a consistently strong performer at AC Milan despite being surrounded by a mediocre team. West Ham won't need to break the bank either, as Milan are looking to cut down their debts and will take a cut-price fee.

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Watford have rejected a player swap between themselves and West Brom, according to the Daily Mail. The report says that West Brom have proposed a swap deal with Watford involving Saido Berahino and Odion Ighalo plus £20 million. Brom are keen on the services of Ighalo, wanting him as a replacement for Berahino who reportedly wants to leave the club. Stoke have offered a £16 million fee for Berahino, but West Brom are adamant they want a bigger fee with multiple Premier League clubs vying for his services.

Paper Round's view: Very cheeky by West Brom to suggest a move that was probably never going to happen in the first place. It's clear they want to dump Berahino as soon as possible, because he's quickly entering the final year of contract period where he can hold the club to ransom. West Brom need to cash in as soon as possible and not risk getting nothing.