Football Paper Round: Inter Milan try to hijack Everton and Leicester's move on Axel Witsel

Inter Milan target Axel Witsel in dramatic late bid

Inter Milan have made a late move for Everton and Leicester target Axel Witsel. According to the Sun, Inter will try to secure the Belgian international even despite Everton being at an advanced stage in talks over him. Fellow Serie A club Napoli appeared at one stage favourties sign him, before

reneging and letting Everton carry on with it's £30 million bid. Leicester are also interested, after N'Golo Kante left for Chelsea for £32 million and are searching for adequate midfield reinforcements.

Clubs on alert as Juan Mata linked to Spain

Juan Mata's status at Man United is under threat, according to the Mirror. The report says that Espanyol and range of other La Liga clubs are on alert after continued talk of his departure under new manager Jose Mourinho grows stronger. Mourinho controversially sold Mata to Manchester United in 2014 when he was under performing at Chelsea, and may face the same fate as it is still unclear where he fits into Jose Mourinho's current plans. Espanyol are said to be the beneficiaries of a recent investment by Chinese backers, giving them the funds to splash in this window. 

Liverpool target Barcelona's Jeremy Mathieu

Liverpool have targeted central defender Jeremy Mathieu, according to the Sun. The report says Mathieu will try to be drafted into the Reds, due to a significant lack of fit defensive personnel. With Mamadou Sakho and Joe Gomez having pre-season injury setbacks and Martin Skrtel departing for Fenerbahce, the club are looking at the 32 year old as a short term fill-in. Mathieu also has an offer from Besiktas on the table, should he turn down Liverpool. 

Chelsea to move in for Shkodran Mustafi

Chelsea will attempt to sign Valencia's Shkodran Mustafi, according to the Mirror. The German international has become a target for the Premier League giants, after Juventus' Leonardo Bonucci is set to stay at the Serie A club. Chelsea previously had dialogue with Valencia this summer over negotiations for the now staying Andre Gomes, with an expectation that Mustafi may be worth upward of £25 million on the market.

Source: Eurosport