Paper News and Gossip: Chelsea Eye Ross Barkley, Fellaini Targets Roy Keane Role

It's the weekend and it's all about the games, or so we thought. There's still plenty of transfer talk, with Chelsea stalking a couple of rising stars.

Steven Nzonzi continues to be in the news, while Wayne Rooney is in line for a shock return to action.

All this and more feature in Saturday's edition of the Paper News and Gossip Review.

Chelsea Set Sights on Everton's Ross Barkley

Everton had better be on alert, as the Mail’s Sami Mokbel reports that Chelsea are chasing rising star Ross Barkley.

Midfielder Barkley has emerged in the early weeks of this season as a key player for Everton and Mokbel says a "senior Stamford Bridge scout" will be sent to Goodison Park this weekend to watch Barkley in action—against Chelsea.

Mourinho, who will obviously be on the touchline for the game, has not commented directly on Barkley, but confirmed he is chasing a young English player.

"

I like a young player, a young English player.

The market is closed but I asked a question to position myself to see where he was.

We are speaking about a very young player but his price was like he has 50 caps when he had none.

"

Joleon Lescott Considering Manchester City Exit

Joleon Lescott’s future has been in doubt for some time and Ian Ladyman of the Mail reports the defender will consider leaving Manchester City in January.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini has a defensive crisis with Vincent Kompany and new recruit Martin Demichelis both absent, and Lescott has featured in the early weeks of the season.

Despite playing regularly in the early weeks of the campaign, Ladyman says it is likely Lescott will not sign a new contract.

In his piece, Ladyman reports:

"

Lescott has held talks with Pellegrini and sporting director Txiki Begiristain about a new deal to replace the one that runs out next summer.

But the former Everton star was also told that he will not be first choice when everybody is fit and is therefore happy to explore his options when the transfer window opens in January.

"

The report adds that Lescott may be a target for Aston Villa and Everton.

Police Speak to Steven Nzonzi

Steven Nzonzi spoke to a police officer close to the scene of where a cyclist was knocked to the ground and will be spoken to again next week, Janine Self of the Mail reports.

On Friday, Stoke midfielder Nzonzi was named as the man police were seeking in connection with the incident that saw a cyclist knocked to the ground.

Self says Nzonzi spoke to an officer and also revealed that the player has been backed by his Stoke manager Mark Hughes:

"

I asked Steven about it. A situation developed but I don’t think he has done anything wrong. I don’t want to make any more comment.

"

Marouane Fellaini Sets Sights on Roy Keane Role

Marouane Fellaini is primed to make his Manchester United debut against Crystal Palace on Saturday and he has set the bar high by suggesting he can be the new Roy Keane.

United boss David Moyes bagged Fellaini late in the transfer window and there has been debate as to where the Belgian play.

He is comfortable in a number of roles, from deep-lying midfield enforcer to second striker.

And it seems Fellaini is ready to play the enforcer role made his own by Keane, reports David McDonnell of the Mirror.

"Keane was an aggressive player and maybe I can do this as well," Fellaini is quoted as saying in McDonnell’s report.

"I can win the ball, clear it and play clean, so I look forward to it."

Wayne Rooney Primed for Manchester United Return

Thanks to social networks, the world and his wife are aware of the head injury Wayne Rooney picked up in Manchester United training.

He sat out the recent round of international matches and it was not clear when he would return to club duty, but Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star suggests the forward could be back in action against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Cross reports Rooney returned to training this week and manager David Moyes is considering him for selection against the Eagles.

 

Bits and Pieces: Sturridge Returns and Adebayor Loan Bid

Queen Park Rangers are plotting a loan raid on Tottenham for Emmanuel Adebayor after the striker was told to train with the reserves (Chris Richards of the Mirror).

Liverpool are set for a huge boost as striker Daniel Sturridge is set to shake off injury and face Swansea on Monday (Chris Richards of the Mirror).

The latest player to be linked with Chelsea is Sheffield United defender Harry Maguire (Jamie Sanderson of the Metro).