Paper Round: Manchester City prepare £35m Alexis Sanchez bid

Manchester City have brought forward their plans to sign Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez. Sanchez had been expected to join on a free transfer after his summer move fell through, but Gabriel Jesus' recent injury means they might try to bring in another striker to support their Champions League bid. Speaking about winter transfers, Pep Guardiola said: "We spoke about it before the injuries to Gabriel and Vincent, but it's so difficult. I don't know if it will be possible."

Paper Round's view: If City are ambitious enough to target not just the Premier League this season, but the Champions League too, then bringing in Sanchez would give City the chance to maximise their energy levels and give them the chance to rest some players along the way. They seem unconcerned by Financial Fair Play regulations anymore, so spending another £35m instead of waiting for a free might still be a practical move.

Joe Hart has found himself dropped to the bench in recent matches by new West Ham boss David Moyes. The England international might be able to move to Newcastle, though, as Rafael Benitez looks to reinforce to protect his side as they go through takeover talks. The move would require City and West Ham to agree to cancel Hart's current loan, and for Newcastle to pick up some of Hart's £120,000 a week loan.

Paper Round's view: Hart needs regular first team football or his place in the squad for World Cup 2018 in Russia would be in doubt. Hart hasn't impressed at West Ham, but neither has he been dreadful. He may feel that playing for a club like Newcastle, with an imperfect defence, might at least give him the opportunity to play himself back into his best form.

After nine games without a win, Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino is targeting Guido Carrillo of Monaco. Carillo has scored three in his last four appearances, but is kept on the bench by Radamel Falcao. Southampton boss Pellegrino coached Carrillo when they were both at Estudiantes, and a bid of £17.5m might be enough to secure the player. Southampton may also make a bid for former player Theo Walcott.

Paper Round's view: Southampton are struggling for goals following the exits of Graziano Pelle and Sadio Mane. Their replacements, Charlie Austin, Manolo Gabbiadini and Nathan Redmond, have failed to replace their contributions in front of goal. Carrillo appears to be in relatively good form, and knows Pellegrino's methods. If it is successful then £17.5m will be regarded as a bargain.

Asked about Jose Mourinho's recent comments on managers acting like a clown on the touchline, Antonio Conte said that the former Chelsea manager was suffering from, "demenza senile," or senile dementia, because he had forgotten his own touchline histrionics. Following the comments, Jose Mourinho appeared to gloss over the accusation before referencing Conte once being banned (later overturned) over match fixing.

Paper Round's view: Mourinho and Conte's fractious relationship continues. Conte has clearly crossed a line with reference to a serious neurological illness, and there is a case that he should now face charges of bringing the game into disrepute. Mourinho's constant needling has taken down better managers than Conte in the past, and he should try to avoid being dragged into any further arguments.