Paper Round: Two factors set to push through Alexis Sanchez to Manchester City deal this January

Manchester City will reportedly look to complete a deal for Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez this week, and the Express claims there are two factors why the club are looking to accelerate a £30m move now as opposed to signing him on a free in the summer. The first is Gabriel Jesus' injury, which could see the striker out for more than two months, while the second is the fact that Sanchez can play in the Champions League - the Premier League leaders are currently favourites to lift their first European Cup.

Paper Round's view: It all makes sense. It's impossible to foresee what impact Sanchez will have on City, and where he will exactly slot in, but with further injuries likely, it ain't half bad when you have players of his ilk to call upon - that is, unless, Pep Guardiola puts him ahead of Sergio Aguero in the pecking order.

Meanwhile, The Sun report that Sanchez is willing to sacrifice a £25m signing-on fee, which he would have gained from joining City in the summer, to push forward for a move this January. The paper says both Sanchez and City are optimistic that a deal will go through this month.

Paper Round's view: Erm, well, not too much more to add here. But waiving goodbye to £25m? Good for him.

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Liverpool have reportedly rubbished Barcelona's claims that Philippe Coutinho was bought for a reduced price. The Telegraph writes that Barcelona 'sought to gain another political victory' by stating the £146m spent on Coutinho was less than the club were quoted for the Brazilian back in the summer. However, the paper's Liverpool sources say no fee was suggested back in August, making the notion that Coutinho was bought 'on the cheap' simply redundant.

Paper Round's view: What's done is done, surely. This saga is finally over, the last thing we need is to stretch it out some more. Most will agree it was a phenomenal fee, so let's just leave it at that.

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Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal are all set to do battle for Leon Bailey in the summer, according to the Mirror. The Premier League trio are all eyeing the Bayer Leverkusen winger sensation, and could cost as much as £40m.

Paper Round's view: Bailey is certainly a hot prospect, but at just 20, it's difficult to guarantee that he will be able to adapt in the Premier League. However, there's only one way to find out, and with the rumours building steam by the day, it feels as though Bailey to England is becoming more and more likely, but where exactly is anybody's guess.