Paper Round: Atletico Madrid want Mesut Ozil if Manchester United target leaves in January

Atletico Madrid will look to bring in Mesut Ozil in January if Manchester United sign Saul Niguez, according to reports. The Express claims Atleti have made an inquiry with Arsenal regarding the German midfielder, who has also been linked with a move to United as his contract at the Emirates runs down.

Paper Round’s view: The Ozil-Arsenal saga needs to end, and soon. Atleti is an attractive prospect, and you get the feeling the pace of La Liga could suit Ozil a tad more. Whether the Rojiblancos would want a former Real Madrid star is another matter, but you can’t imagine that would be an issue.

***

The Brazilian has been in the Premier League for three months, and already Tottenham have set their sights on Watford’s Richarlison – the Mirror reports. The 20-year-old has impressed for the Hornets this season, having joined for £11.5m from Fluminense in the summer – scoring twice and providing two assists in 11 league games.

Paper Round’s view: It’s no surprise to see the Brazilian linked with one of the big boys, but it’s unlikely Spurs would make their move this season. Watford have gone off the rails in the past three league games, it will be intriguing to monitor Richarlison’s performances if they continue to slip down the table.

***

Scotland are prepared to offer Michael O’Neill a £1m-a-year contract in their bid to prise him away from Northern Ireland, the Guardian reports. After Norn Iron’s World Cup qualifying campaign ended on Sunday, O’Neill’s future as manager has been heavily speculated upon, with Rangers, Sunderland and a number of US clubs all said to be interested. Scotland’s £1m draw would be double what he earns across the North Channel.

Paper Round’s view: O’Neill has a big decision to make in the coming months following their World Cup heartache. It will be more than a year before the next competitive fixture comes in the shape of the Euro 2020 qualifiers, and it would be no surprise to see O’Neill test his mettle at a club – a move to Scotland seems unlikely, but money talks.

***

Gareth Southgate has warned his young England side not to go souvenir hunting when hosting Brazil in Tuesday evening’s friendly. A number of back papers have run with Southgate’s stern words, with £198m man Neymar set to grace the Wembley turf, as well as some familiar faces in Premier League trio Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus.

“I used to talk to young players about this at Middlesbrough,” he said. “I remember young David Wheater: I hauled him over the coals because he bowled off with Thierry Henry’s shirt after a game against Arsenal. I said, ‘Right, okay, where do you think that leaves you when you play him again next time? You are either going toe-to-toe with these guys or we are just here for the tour’."

Paper Round’s view: Southgate can certainly talk the talk, and he is insistent on keeping his younger Lions in check. These players will have been given the chance to shine on the biggest stage, and it’s unlikely they will spend that time tugging on Neymar’s shirt in the hope they get it at full-time. Here’s hoping, anyway.