Transfer gossip: Paredes deal close, Express say

The transfer stories involving Chelsea in Friday’s newspapers…

Chelsea are being tipped to complete a deal to sign Leandro Paredes (pictured) as well as Gonzalo Higuain.

An agreement is close for striker Higuain, who is currently on a season-long loan at AC Milan from Juventus, to move to Stamford Bridge.

And the Daily Express say Chelsea are also set to sign Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Paredes for £31m.

Related West London Sport story: Higuan deal looks close

Hudson-Odoi to be offered £70k a week – reports

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to make Callum Hudson-Odoi one of world football’s highest-paid teenagers in order to keep him at the club.

Bayern Munich are pursuing the 18-year-old, whose contract is due to expire next year.

Chelsea want him to sign a new deal and both the Express and the Daily Mail say the club are willing to offer him £70,000 a week.