Paper Round: Ilkay Gundogan turns down Barcelona move

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan looks set to turn down the chance to join Barcelona in the winter transfer window. Other clubs are interested in the 27-year-old German international, including AC Milan and those in the Bundesliga. However, with two years remaining on his current deal, he wants to stay at the Etihad Stadium and extend his contract.

Paper Round’s view: It has not been an easy time for Gundogan since his move. His fitness is still erratic, and major injuries have held him back from establishing himself as an automatic first team choice. He has also had difficulties with the German national team after being pictured with Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The support he gets from Pep Guardiola and City on both these matters might well be enough to keep him at the club.

John Terry’s proposed move to Spartak Moscow is now in doubt. The 37-year-old had seemed on the verge of signing a deal in Russia to earn £1.8m a season, with a one-year deal that came with the option of another. However, Terry is discussing the move with him family who have concerns over life in Moscow, and he needs to give an answer by Friday, the Russian transfer deadline.

Paper Round’s view: Life in Russia is very different from life in London and its suburbs, however for those earning good money, it is still a relatively safe place with plenty of things to enjoy. Nevertheless, a move could be a huge upheaval for a family and it would be understandable if it falls through, especially with a deal with Aston Villa also a possibility for Terry.

New Arsenal defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has denied he is set to retire, and has claimed he has the body of a 28-year-old footballer. The Swiss international is behind Hector Bellerin in the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, and has made just one appearance so far. However the 34-year-old has said he came to London for a challenge, and is not concerned by his lack of game time so far.

Paper Round’s view: After winning so many trophies with Juventus, and putting in seasons of consistent performance with Lichtsteiner, he doubtless has high standards. That’s not necessarily a problem if he is not playing. Arsenal needed a shift in mentality when Arsene Wenger left, and a serial winner with experience could be vital in making sure that training is no longer a joke, and instead becomes focused on a producing excellent results on the pitch.

Manchester United are closing in on a new sporting director, and have prioritised Andrea Berta at Atletico Madrid. The Italian is responsible for the arrival of Jan Oblak, Antoine Griezmann and the re-signing of Diego Costa, as well as Diego Godin’s new deal - a player United wanted this summer. Other candidates are in the frame, but Ed Woodward has been impressed by his performance while in Spain.

Paper Round’s view: Berta does appear to have an excellent track record, and afforded a larger budget at United could improve his results to help Woodward bring back the league trophy to Old Trafford. However, the most important thing is to make sure that Woodward has absolutely no involvement in the football side of the club, given his propensity to make obvious, clownish mistakes.