From the Back Pages, November 30: Real Madrid’s shock bid for Chelsea’s Diego Costa?

The Spain international, who cost £32m from Atletico Madrid, only joined the Blues in the summer, but is already being linked with a move away. Daily Express

Brendan Rodgers was forced to tell wacky Italian striker Mario Balotelli to get himself to bed just hours ­before a Champions League game in Switzerland, writes Steve Bates in the Sunday People.

The hotel incident is just one of a string of episodes that have left Balotelli’s days at Liverpool numbered – with the star finally ­driving Kop boss Rodgers close to ­complete distraction.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard’s future looks increasingly uncertain as discussions over a new contract drag on.

Fears are growing at Anfield that the Kop legend’s career at the club is drawing to a close, with the American owners unwilling to match the 34-year-old’s current £140,000-per-week contract. The former England captain’s deal expires in the summer, when he could leave on a free transfer. Daily Mail