Football Paper Round: Chelsea up bid for Romelu Lukaku

 Chelsea increase bid for Lukaku

Antonio Conte really wants to sign Romelu Lukaku, and doesn't care who knows it. More to the point, he has plenty of money to throw at this particular cause, according to the Sunday Express. He's increased his bid to £60m - but Everton are hoping to squeeze a little more out of Chelsea before they agree to sell.

Italy and Spain pushing for Champions League overhaul

The Sunday Telegraph reveal a planned coup among the big guns of the big European leagues - they want more Champions League places, and what's more, they want guaranteed slots for their most marketable clubs. Yep, regardless of how well they do domestically. 

Allardyce planning to pick reserve players for England

Sam Allardyce is already depressed about the talent pool available to him as England coach. The Mail on Sunday report that he's said that there are so few top-class English players in the top flight that he's going to have to resort to calling up players who aren't even getting regular games for their club. 

Bailly turned down City

Eric Bailly rejected an offer from Manchester City before signing for their rivals United, according to the Sun on Sunday. Intriguingly, they report that it was Didier Drogba's recommendation of Jose Mourinho as a coach that persuaded him - even though Yaya Toure did his best to sell City to him.

Source: Eurosport