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      PSG confirm Messi is on transfer ‘shortlist’ as they ‘follow matter closely’ and battle Man City for Barcelona legend

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have confirmed Barcelona’s Lionel Messi is on their transfer ‘shortlist’ as they ‘follow the matter closely’ ahead of a battle with Manchester City.
      The French champs’ sporting director Leonardo admitted the club will try to sign Argentine superstar Messi if the Catalan giants’ skipper is available.

      Lionel Messi is on PSG’s transfer shortlistCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Mauricio Pochettino could help lure his fellow Argentine to the French capitalCredit: AFP or licensors

      Messi’s deal at Barca expires in June and after he told the cash-strapped club he wanted to quit last summer before U-turning, he could soon be the most-desired free agent ever.
      Leonardo told France Football: “Great players like Messi will always be on PSG’s shortlist, but now isn’t the time to talk or dream about this.
      “We are sitting at the table following this matter closely.
      “Four months in football is an eternity, especially in this day and age, but our chair is reserved at the table.”

      A move to Paris could see Messi reunite with Brazilian Neymar after the pair formed a dynamic forward line with Uruguayan Luis Suarez back in their Blaugrana days.
      And the appointment of Messi’s compatriot Mauricio Pochettino as PSG’s boss could help lure him to the Parc des Princes.
      Ex-Spurs boss Poch took over at the start of January after Thomas Tuchel was brutally axed on Christmas Eve.
      He hinted the door was open for Messi after saying ‘any big player in the world is always welcome in PSG’.

      But PSG will face competition from City who have made no secret of their desire to reunite Messi with former boss Pep Guardiola at the Etihad after failing to do so in the summer.
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      PSG’s sporting director Leonardo revealed the club are keen on MessiCredit: AFP or licensors

      Barca will not be able to try and negotiate a new deal with Messi until after the club’s upcoming presidential elections which have been pushed back to March 7.
      And after Messi revealed his dream to play in the MLS, City are hopeful the prospect of a stint at their sister club New York City FC could help facilitate a move to Manchester.
      David Beckham’s Inter Miami have also been mentioned as a possible destination – with former England women’s boss Phil Neville poised to take over as boss.
      Messi was sent off for the first time ever in his club career on Sunday after lashing out at Athletic Bilbao’s Asier Villalibre in the dying seconds of Barca’s Super Cup defeat.
      And the Argentine maestro will have plenty of time to consider his future as he is facing up to a TWLEVE-MATCH ban with Spanish media calling for Messi to apologise for his violent conduct.

      Lionel Messi sent off for violent conduct as Barcelona and Ronaldo Koeman are denied first silverware against Athletic Bilbao More

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      Man Utd in Erling Haaland transfer blow with ‘Barcelona now frontrunners due to agent Mino Raiola relationship’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could miss out on Erling Haaland after reports emerged of a Barcelona plot to land the striker.
      Catalunya Radio, via BarcaCentre, report on the Norwegian’s agent being keen to send his client to the Camp Nou.

      Erling Haaland has attracted plenty of attention with his performances for Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Mino Raiola is keen on linking up with Barcelona, according to reports in SpainCredit: Getty – Contributor

      A number of clubs have been linked to Haaland since he broke out at RB Salzburg last season.
      United failed in a reported attempt to sign the youngster as he headed to Borussia Dortmund.
      Stellar form in Germany, including a brace past RB Leipzig on the weekend, has continued his ascendancy.
      Barcelona are reportedly a club Raiola wants to build a good relationship with – and the move is touted for this summer.

      The Catalans are currently undertaking presidential elections which could harbour a spending spree from the successful candidate.
      Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay are thought to be targets for this window despite the club’s difficult financial situation.
      Candidates Emili Rousaud and Joan Laporta, the favourite for the role, are both linked with bids for Haaland.
      After Rousaud last month claimed he had discussed the deal with Raiola, the agent shot back that any talks were ‘fake news’.

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      When a new president is elected, they can call me.
      Mino RaiolaOn Barcelona Rumours

      He told Sport1: “When a new president is elected, they can call me.”
      Real Madrid are also rumoured to be keen on the 20-year-old marksman, but are said to be focusing their efforts on Kylian Mbappe.
      Any potential United deal for Haaland would have to go through Raiola, who has previously spoken against the club in regard to another of his clients, Paul Pogba.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisted the Frenchman has a ‘good attitude’ after his agent’s bombshell comments suggested a return to Juventus was on the cards.

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      Man City star Eric Garcia ‘reaches Barcelona transfer agreement over £8.9m January move on five-and-a-half-year deal’

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      WANTAWAY defender Eric Garcia has reportedly agreed to sign for Barcelona from Manchester City for £8.9million.
      The LaLiga giants have been chasing the 20-year-old for some time after he left the club in 2017.

      Eric Garcia is set to leave Manchester City, either this month or in the summerCredit: Getty – Pool

      Garcia’s contract expires in June and he has made it clear that he will not be signing an extension at the Etihad.
      Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the player’s desire but asserted in October that he still hoped to ‘seduce’ him into staying.
      But, according to Mundo Deportivo, a deal is now in place for the youngster to move this month.
      City have reportedly lowered their asking price from £17.8m to £8.9m, making the deal far more affordable for Barcelona.

      The fee will be split into an initial sum of £4.45m, not due until later in the year, with a further £4.45m in variables.
      It is said that the Catalans are happy to push ahead with the deal, on the agreement of each of the club presidential candidates.

      Barcelona members will elect a new chief on January 24 with former president Joan Laporta among the hopefuls for the role.
      If interim board leader Carles Tusquets gets the green light from all remaining candidates, he will sanction the move.

      In any case, Garcia appears set for the Camp Nou with personal terms and a contract to 2026 reportedly agreed.
      Barcelona can pre-agree a move in the summer if a deal with City cannot be reached.

      Wednesday’s Mundo Deportivo front page reports on Garcia’s agreement with the LaLiga giants

      But coach Ronald Koeman is thought to be keen on sealing the player’s switch now, given Gerard Pique’s long-term injury.
      A move for Lyon striker Memphis Depay is also on the Blaugrana radar, although Pique’s injury has made Garcia the priority target.
      The Spain international has remained in Guardiola’s squad this season despite his imminent exit, playing seven times.
      However, he is currently out of action after testing positive for coronavirus.

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      Barcelona ‘considering buying MLS franchise to help convince Lionel Messi to stay with new deal before heading to US’

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      BARCELONA would reportedly consider buying an MLS club to persuade Lionel Messi to stay with the club.
      Blaugrana presidential hopeful Xavi Vilajoana is behind the plan to fit in wtih the star striker’s dream of playing in the United States.

      Lionel Messi could see out his career in MLS after confirming his dream moveCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Messi’s contract runs out in June and, with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain lurking, his future is up in the air.
      He recently said he was very keen to move to the States and play in the MLS before he retires.
      However this summer may be too early for the 33-year-old to head Stateside and AS report on a plan to keep the player in Spain until he is ready for the switch.
      Vilajoana is said to want an MLS franchise under the Barcelona umbrella, allowing a seamless transition across the Atlantic when Messi desires.

      The plan also involves re-signing Luis Suarez from Atletico Madrid to reunite the pair, who are best pals off the pitch and forged a hugely successful partnership on it.
      Buying an MLS team would be a hugely expensive process.

      When St Louis City and Sacramento Republic complete the 30-team league in 2023, no more franchises will be accepted – meaning Vilajoana would have to buy an existing team.
      Manchester City could already offer such a route for Messi given their ties with New York City FC.

      In fact, Barcelona attempted to land an MLS team under president Joan Laporta in 2009 but failed to agree a deal for a Miami-based club.
      Messi has reportedly already purchased a plush apartment in the city with David Beckham’s Inter Miami one club linked with the superstar.
      Speaking last month, the forward stated his desire to move to the USA.
      He told La Sexta: “I always wanted to live in the United States.
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      I can only imagine him in a Barcelona shirt and I’ll do everything possible to ensure he continues.
      Joan LaportaPresidential Candidate

      “It is a great country and I would like to play in Major League Soccer at some point, but not at this moment in my career.”
      Former president Laporta is back in the running to succeed Josep Maria Bartomeu in the elections on January 24.
      As the frontrunner for the post, the 58-year-old believes Messi will sign a new contract if he is part of a winning side.
      Laporta told The Guardian last month: “I can only imagine him in a Barcelona shirt and I’ll do everything possible to ensure he continues.
      “I know Leo and what he’s interested in is winning. The best players see immediately if the team is competitive.
      “It’s not about money, never has been; if it had, he would have taken very different decisions throughout his career.”

      Fellow candidate Agusti Benedito has admitted his ‘pessimism’ at keeping Messi past the summer.
      He told ESPN: “I would have liked him to say in his interview the other week that his desire is to stay at the club, but he didn’t and now we have to wait and see.
      “The truth is I am pessimistic. Remember that in August, he said he wanted to leave after 20 years and now he’s still not cleared up what he wants to do.
      “The most likely outcome I see is that he leaves us in the summer.”

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      Barcelona joined by Juventus, Inter and AC Milan in Memphis Depay transfer chase as they battle for cut-price Lyon star

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      BARCELONA face competition from a host of Italian giants if they are to land Memphis Depay in January, according to reports.
      Juventus, Inter and AC Milan are all named as tracking the Lyon star, whose contract expires in June.

      Memphis Depay is a wanted man in the January transfer windowCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The Dutchman’s summer move to the Nou Camp collapsed amid Barcelona’s financial woe.
      But Depay’s imminent contract expiry could make him more affordable in January.
      That has led to interest from the Serie A trio, according to France Football, via Mundo Deportivo.
      Inter, who suffered a Scudetto blow on Wednesday by losing at Sampdoria, could seek a replacement for the outgoing Christian Eriksen.

      Juve and AC Milan face off tonight with the Old Lady back in seventh and seeking fresh impetus under Andrea Pirlo.
      The same cannot be said for Milan and a win at the San Siro would hand them a four-point lead atop Serie A.
      Over in LaLiga, Barcelona find themselves off the pace and have Depay and Manchester City defender Eric Garcia on their radar this month.
      However, Ronald Koeman will be aware that the club likely needs to shift high-earning reserves before buying.

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      He said earlier in the week: “Every coach always looks to the month of January and how the squad can be improved, just like I do.
      “I have made a list of possible injuries and players that would be interesting to bring in. It depends on the club.
      “If it’s not possible, I can depend on the players I have already.”
      Lyon narrowly hold first place in Ligue 1 ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Lens and will be more than happy to keep Depay for longer.
      Club chief Jean-Michel Aulas recently tweeted his club captain to say: “You feel at home here and you are also an exceptional man who sets an example, shows ambition.
      “You can stay as long as you want!”

      What will happen in the future, we will see… I am here now, lots of clubs could be interested.
      Memphis Depay

      The forward, 26, has eight goals and four assists in 2020-21 and insisted last month that he is focused on Lyon.
      Depay stated: “To be honest, we have a great team here and I am focused here because I do not know what will happen next year.
      “All that I know, is that I am a Lyon player and captain. I am here to win matches, to be important for the team.
      “I do not have in my head what my future will be. I am 100 per cent focused here.
      “What will happen in the future, we will see… I don’t have anything to say on that. I am here now, lots of clubs could be interested.”

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      Lionel Messi admits he still ‘doesn’t know’ if he will leave Barcelona but will do ‘what is best’ for himself and club

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      LIONEL MESSI admitted he “doesn’t know” whether he will leave Barcelona but will do “what is best” for himself and the club.
      The Catalan giants’ skipper could depart at the end of the season when his contract expires, after initially expressing his desire to quit the Nou Camp last summer before making a dramatic U-turn.

      Lionel Messi revealed his future at Barcelona is still unclear

      Messi said he will make the best call for himself and the club where he has spent his entire careerCredit: AFP or licensors

      Speaking to Spanish journalist Jordi Evole in a wide-ranging interview with Spanish TV station La Sexta, Messi – who can start talking to other clubs from January 1 – said: “I don’t have anything clear until the end of the year.
      “Now I am only thinking about finishing the season and winning titles.
      “I know there are a lot of people at Barca who still love me, but I’m going to do what is best for the club and for myself.
      “Besides, I want to live in Barcelona and be involved in the club in some way when I retire.

      “I don’t know if I’m going to leave, but if I do, I would like to leave in the best way possible and be able to return to the club in the future.
      “Barcelona are much bigger than any player. I hope that every time the club have to, they will do good things to lift important titles.”
      When pushed on “very bad” Barcelona’s slow start to the season under new boss Ronald Koeman, Messi confessed it will be “difficult” for them to return to their best but he will “fight for everything”.
      He added: “I’m excited even though the club is going through difficult times. These are difficult times, as for everyone.

      “The club is really bad, very bad, it will be difficult to get back to where we were.”

      Messi revealed he does not regret filing his transfer request in the summer and explained what was going through his head.
      He said: “It was far from easy for me to say I wanted to leave the club and the city… the family wanted to stay here, this is their home but I genuinely felt it was time to go.
      “Yes [I would send the transfer request again] it was a manner of making a point and expressing my feelings. It was me telling the club that I wanted to leave.
      “Luis Suarez’s departure had nothing to do with the decision but I felt it was crazy the way his exit was handled and that Barcelona let him go to a direct rival.”
      Messi confirmed he is still in daily contact with close pal Suarez – who moved to Atletico Madrid – and that they share a WhatsApp group with old team-mate Neymar.
      He said: “Yes [We have a WhatsApp group], we speak a great deal and I speak to Luis every day.
      “Last time I spoke to Neymar was after the Champions League last 16 draw. [when his PSG side drew Barcelona].”

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      Barcelona trying to convince Riqui Puig, 21, to sign new deal with doubts over future putting Man City on transfer alert

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      BARCELONA are trying to convince midfielder Riqui Puig to sign a new deal amid concerns over his future, reports say.
      The Spaniard’s contract expires next summer, and Manchester City and Bayern Munich are among the interested clubs.

      Barcelona are trying to convince Riqui Puig to sign a new dealCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But according to Fichajes, the LaLiga giants are pushing Puig to commit his future to the Nou Camp.
      It would mean they avoid losing the 21-year-old on a free at the end of the season.
      But Barca bosses could find it hard to talk Puig into the proposal, with the promising talent having made just four appearances this season.
      And their case will not be helped after manager Ronald Koeman aimed a dig at out of favour playmaker, suggesting he is not working hard enough.

      Koeman, who was asked about Puig, said: “I like people who work every day to improve, and who take opportunities with both hands.
      “Sometimes it’s not just about quality.
      “There may be players who don’t do enough in training for the coach to give opportunities.”
      The Dutchman does not think Puig’s work ethic is up to scratch and has left him out despite the team’s unimpressive league form.

      Barcelona were held to a 2-2 draw against Valencia this month but bounced back to beat Valladolid 3-0.
      The recent result leaves Barca fifth in the table and eight points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who still have a game in hand.
      But despite their struggles, Puig remains out of favour and with an uncertain future under Koeman.
      The midfielder was recently blasted by Koeman in front of his team-mates after being accused of leaking information about a dressing room bust up.

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