Arsenal are reportedly considering a free-transfer move for England defender John Stones as a potential replacement should William Saliba's injury prove long-term, according to Monday's football gossip column. The same round-up also links Chelsea with a formal move for Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix and reports interest from several clubs in players including Leon Bailey, Manu Kone and Jonathan Rowe.

Stones, 32, would be a free-transfer option if Saliba, 25, faces a lengthy spell out. Chelsea have held formal talks with Palace over Lacroix, valued at around £55m, while Hull City are pursuing Aston Villa's Leon Bailey and Newcastle free agent Matt Targett. Other strands include Liverpool and Manchester United chasing Roma's Manu Kone, Aston Villa's interest in Nicolas Jackson and Alejandro Garnacho, and Lazio and Arsenal both eyeing West Ham's Aaron Wan-Bissaka.