Paper Round: Riches to riches for Rio in China

We all know that Rio Ferdinand is in the twilight of his career and with his contract expiring next summer there is the chance he will not be at Old Trafford for too much longer. Ferdinand would be wise to get the most out of his legs while clubs are still chasing his signature and a Chinese move could be on the cards for the 34-year-old. Following in the footsteps of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, the Guardian reports that while a formal offer is yet to be put forward, a lucrative deal could be on the cards for a move to Asia. Ferdinand isn't the only one looking for a boost to the bank balance, with Liverpool youngster Raheem Sterling set for a bumper pay day when Brendan Rodgers renews the player's contract. The Daily Mirror says that Rodgers is treating Sterling's future with caution and he doesn't want to let a big pay cheque influence his performance just yet. But the 17-year-old is likely to earn a measly £30,000-per-week. Considering that's almost 15 times his current wage, he shouldn't be arguing too much. We're enjoying the EXCLUSIVE in the Daily Mail today, which claims Roberto di Matteo is on the brink of the sack at Chelsea after the club won three of their last seven games. The paper even goes as far as to say he could lose his job if the European champions are beaten at Juventus on Tuesday. We think we know why it's an EXCLUSIVE. Back with the Daily Mirror and someone just had to spoil the brilliance of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. England boss Roy Hodgson played down the Swede's spectacular bicycle kick against England, saying: "I admire the athleticism and the technique, but he did not have a lot to lose. It was the last kick of the game. If the ball had gone 75 metres into the stands, who cares? If he had missed it completely, who cares?" Sour grapes, Roy? Over in the Sun, there are claims that Wigan defender Ben Watson's season could be over after he collided with Sterling during the 3-0 loss at Anfield. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez revealed the sound of the clash was heard by both benches. Ouch! ESPN