Paper Round: David Beckham's Inter Miami plan huge Lionel Messi offer

David Beckham wants to sign Lionel Messi from Barcelona. Beckham’s MLS side, Inter Miami, is planning the move in order to have a big name for their launch season in 2020. Messi’s Barcelona contract expires in 2021, but by then he will already be 33, meaning the club and the player might be prepared to accept a huge offer a year before he becomes a free agent. The move might prevent Messi from ending his career in Argentina.

Paper Round’s view: Messi’s relationship with Argentina often appears strange, so it would be no shock if he decides to move elsewhere. Miami has a large Spanish-speaking community, so integrating should be little problem from that respect. The only bone of contention is the idea that it would take a huge offer to Barcelona to sort it out - at 33, there is a good chance the club will simply want his wages off the books.

Jose Mourinho is monitoring Mesut Ozil’s situation at Arsenal. The 29-year-old has had a tough time with new manager Unai Emery at Arsenal, despite signing a huge new contract. The Manchester United boss is unhappy with the amount of money spent in the summer, and could be tempted into a big-money offer if he thinks he can prise away the German playmaker in January.

Paper Round’s view: The chances of Ozil being sold seem particularly slim this winter, especially to United. Ozil would only be sold if the club think they can sign an adequate replacement, and only if the relationship with Emery is beyond repair. From United’s point of view, bringing in an ageing Ozil when the board has its reservations over Mourinho’s future does not seem highly likely. If money is spent, surely it would be on a central defender.

Juventus are planning a swap deal with Manchester United in order to bring Paul Pogba back to Italy. Paulo Dybala has lost his place to Cristiano Ronaldo since the start of the season, and the Italian side could offer the 24-year-old plus cash in a £150m deal. Pogba has been unwilling to commit his future to United and this might be a deal that solves problems for both sides.

Paper Round’s view: Pogba’s display in the second half against Watford on Saturday was another poor showing from a player who can't do much more than go through the motions for the club. If he is not able to perform any better than Scott McTominay, it is best for all concerned that he leaves as quickly as possible, and Dybala would be an excellent creative replacement for Mourinho.

When Lyon visit the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday for their Champions League clash against Manchester City, it will give Pep Guardiola the chance to take a look at two transfer targets. Lyon midfielders Lucas Tousart and Tanguy Ndombele are both 21 year old French youth internationals, and Guardiola has been monitoring them both, as have Spurs.

Paper Round’s view: Some managers keep in mind players who have impressed against their own sides - it is one of the reasons Alex Ferguson brought Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United, and also Dwight Yorke several seasons before then. An impressive display from either player on Wednesday might raise their transfer fee, but make a move to England more likely.