Paper Round: Man Utd and Alexis Sanchez fear they are stuck with each other

The Telegraph are reporting Manchester United are willing to offload defenders Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo in order to free up room and funds for a new central defender, but the paper also claims the club fear they are “stuck” with Alexis Sanchez.

The report suggests United are aware Sanchez was an expensive mistake, costing them £500,000 a week since joining from Arsenal in January, but selling him would result in a “huge financial sacrifice” for both parties – be it heavily subsidising a loan, or simply if they look to sell the soon-to-be 30-year-old, given that they will not get a substantial fee, while Sanchez would likely be offered a considerably reduced wage by any prospective club.

Paper Round’s view: If money wasn’t such a big factor, then you would imagine both parties would soon come to the agreement that this move hasn’t worked out, and that it’s best to part ways. However, it’s not worth giving up on the relationship just yet, if they can work it out then it could still blossom – but a lot of hard work is needed to make that happen.

***

While Bailly and Rojo are reportedly heading for the exit door, the Daily Star says Phil Jones is set to be offered a new deal at Old Trafford by the end of November. The 26-year-old’s current contract runs out next summer, and with Arsenal and Tottenham said to be interested, United are ready to tie the defender down.

Paper Round’s view: The enigma that is Phil Jones, though it’s not exactly fair to pass judgement this season with the defender missing the majority of the campaign through injury, continues to perplex. It seems it’s easier to remain in Jose Mourinho’s good books if you haven’t been part of the defence that has so far contributed towards a -1 goal difference in the Premier League.

***

Chelsea will find themselves paying former manager Antonio Conte the rest of his compensation – a staggering £11.3m the Sun reports – after the Italian said he was unlikely to take on another job until June. Conte ruled himself out of the running for the Real Madrid role, and as he looks set to play the waiting game, Chelsea will still have to pay him the final year of his contract, having sacked him before the start of the season.

Paper Round’s view: Small change for Chelsea? Perhaps, but what’s more interesting is Conte’s decision to wait. Is there something he is holding out for? Despite turning down Real’s advances, perhaps (perhaps) he is waiting to see how Santiago Solari fares in the remainder of the campaign, rather than face the pressure of delivering a fourth successive Champions League title to the club. Again, that’s a big perhaps.

***

On Monday, Samir Nasri was seemingly edging towards a Premier League return, with West Ham ready to welcome the midfielder back following his 18-month ban for an anti-doping violation. However, the Telegraph are among those reporting West Ham are concerned with Nasri’s fitness, and fear it will take him too long to get fit to make the initial six-month deal worthwhile. However, they may yet offer him a contract based on how many appearances he goes on to make.

Paper Round’s view: It’s hardly a surprise, given how long he has been out (he’s allowed to play as of January 1, but how unfit is he? The thought that he cannot return to match fitness by the New Year is concerning, but it’s not worth passing judgement until January rolls around – wherever he may be by then.