Transfer Rumours And Paper Review

Digsby

Here's the top transfer-related stories in Saturday's newspapers...
Chelsea are set to make John Stones the most expensive defender in English football. The Premier League champions have had a £20million bid for the 21-year-old Everton centre-back rejected but will return with an improved bid within the next week. Chelsea are confident of completing his signing, with the fee likely to exceed the British record £31.9million paid by Manchester City to Porto for Eliaquim Mangala last summer. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United are plotting a £22million swoop for Barcelona forward Pedro to boost Louis van Gaal's attacking options. United are eyeing the Spaniard as a replacement for Angel Di Maria, who is wanted by Paris Saint-Germain. (Daily Mirror)

Paul Pogba’s agent claims the Juventus ace will join Barcelona — IF Joan Laporta wins tomorrow’s presidential elections. In a massive blow to Manchester City’s chances of landing the star, Mino Raiola made it clear the former Manchester United starlet will end up at the Nou Camp, in what is likely to be a £60million deal. (The Sun)

Newcastle's bid to land Aleksandar Mitrovic has been derailed by a £12.5 million offer by Porto. Chelsea are also interested in making Mitrovic one of their back-up strikers and he has stalled on a switch to Tyneside as his options open up. (Daily Mirror)

Robbie Brady has inched closer to completing a £7million switch to Norwich by snubbing a bumper new deal at Hull. (Daily Mirror)

West Brom boss Tony Pulis is hoping to snap up Arsenal prospect Serge Gnabry on a season-long loan. Germany under-21 winger Gnabry will be farmed out to give him Premier League experience to help his Arsenal career. (Daily Mirror)

Bournemouth want to keep it in the family by bringing in Scott Parker. Fulham midfielder Parker, 34, is Cherries’ midfielder Harry Arter’s brother-in-law, and Eddie Howe is hoping the pair the duo in his midfield this season. (The Sun)