Football news - Paper Round: Fabregas open to Arsenal return, Poch laughs off Real rumours

We begin with quotes from Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas who has said he would be open to a possible return to Arsenal. Fabregas, 31, is out of contract at the end of the season and has slipped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge. AC Milan are reportedly leading the race for his signature but he has kept the door open on a return to the Gunners.

Paper Round's view: Fabregas has looked impressive whenever he has played for Chelsea, but obviously those occasions have not come often enough for the Spaniard. Fabregas deserves to be playing regularly but it is hard to see where he would fit in at Arsenal as a regular starter unless he were to displace Granit Xhaka from the starting line-up.

We move to quotes from Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino who has admitted he is frustrated with the team's start to the season but also laughed off any chance of a move to Real Madrid. Pochettino pointed out the irony of his frustrations despite the team's best ever start to a Premier League season and lamented the delay in the move to the new White Hart Lane.

Paper Round's view: Pochettino's response when asked about Real will be encouraging for supporters, although it appears as if Antonio Conte is the man the Spanish giants will turn to in order to replace Julen Lopetegui. Pochettino's commitment to the club is admirable and his quotes portray a man determined to turn his current situation around.

We continue with Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic who has said it is too early to discuss his future but he does feel happy at Stamford Bridge. Kovacic, 24, joined Chelsea on loan from Real Madrid over the summer but reports have suggested there is no buy-out option in his loan contract. Kovacic has said that he is happy with the club at the moment but he does not want to commit one way or another.

Paper Round's view: Kovacic is evidently benefitting from regular playing time but Chelsea must be wary of overpaying for a player who is still under contract at Real in the summer. Ross Barkley and to a lesser extend Ruben Loftus-Cheek are making progress this season plus Mason Mount is shining on loan at Derby County, they may not actually need Kovacic. Of course Real may decide to keep Kovacic and take the decision out of Chelsea's hands entirely...

And we end with a Championship-related exclusive from The Sun which says that QPR are planning to offer Angel Rangel a contract extension to keep him at Loftus Road beyond this season. Rangel was not offered a new contract at Swansea City following their relegation and was instead picked up by the London club.

Paper Round's view: It was baffling that Rangel wasn't offered a new deal by Swansea. Of course his performances dropped out but he has proven with QPR this season that he still has a lot to offer in the second tier of English football. A good signing from Steve McLaren's side who have capitalised on Swansea's error in judgement.