Transfer news LIVE updates: Messi £359m transfer, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd latest

THE January transfer window is fast approaching and Express Sport brings you all the latest rumours from around Europe.

Liverpool's Coutinho scores wonder goal against Moscow

Express Sport brings you all the latest transfer rumours involving the biggest clubs in Europe...

Tuesday October 10

Ozil should snub Man Utd

15.50: Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil must not join Manchester United, according to former Germany striker Karl-Heinz Riedle.

"Ozil going back to Germany? Who knows," Riedle told broadcaster Omnisport. 

"There's a rumour that he goes to Manchester United. He shouldn't do it.

"Ozil is a quality player. If you see his skills, it's just amazing what he can do on the pitch.

“We would be very happy if he comes back to a club in Germany, for sure.”

“But if he is looking only for the money, then it would be very difficult to find the same kind of money in the German league than he can find in the Premier League."

Mourinho to battle Chelsea for Rose

10:30: Manchester United are reportedly set to return for Tottenham full-back Danny Rose in January.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was said to be keen on bringing in a new left-back during the summer as he still has reservations over Luke Shaw.

Tottenham’s Rose was high up on Mourinho’s shortlist, but Spurs resisted and kept hold of the England international.

However, according to transfer outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, United are expected to renew their interest in the 27-year-old when the window reopens in January.

Mourinho has mostly relied on utility man Daley Blind and right-back Matteo Darmian on the left-side of defence so far this season, with Shaw recovering from a foot injury.

TuttoMercatoWeb add that Premier League champions Chelsea are also interested in signing Rose in the winter window.

Manchester United Chelsea Tottenham Danny RoseGETTY

Manchester United will battle with Chelsea to sign Tottenham star Danny Rose

Everton plot early Onyekuru arrival

10:00: Henry Onyekuru could be back at Everton by January after a loan spell at Anderlecht, a report in the Liverpool Echo says.

The 20-year-old did not have much time to pull on a blue shirt before he was sent on loan to the Belgian club due to work permit issues.

Everton are reportedly hoping a "special talent" clause will overcome the permit problems in time to see the 20-year-old in the starting XI next year.

Tosun battle

09:30: Turkish striker Cenk Tosun appears to be in high demand from the Premier League, according to the Croydon Advertiser.

Crystal Palace sent scouts to watch the 26-year-old, who is said to come with a £22.36million price tag.

Tottenham and Newcastle are also believed to be interested in the striker, who has so far scored four goals for Besiktas this season.

Winks set for pay rise

09:15: Spurs are going to double Harry Wink’s wages, The Times claim.

Winks, 21, has enjoyed an outstanding start to the new campaign for both club and country.

And is set to feel the financial benefit with Tottenham, prepared to double his £20,000 per-week contract as part of a new five-year deal.

Seagulls want Mitro

09:00: Brighton are eyeing Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic for a January move, the Daily Mirror reports.

Scouts were reportedly in the stands to watch the Newcastle player play for his country against Austria last week.

The 23-year-old has not seen much game time for the Magpies since he was handed a three-match ban after being found guilty of violent conduct during a game against West Ham.

City eye Faouzi Ghoulam hijack

08:45: Manchester City are interested in bringing Napoli player Faouzi Ghoulam to the Ethiad Stadium in the new year, The Sun claims.

Pep Guardiola is reportedly willing to look into a £3million deal for the 26-year-old, who will be out of contract next summer.

The reports come after full-back Benjamin Mendy suffered a nasty knee injury, ruling him out of the squad in the long term.

Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool have both been linked with Ghoulam, but it appears City are no favourites for his signature.

Ronaldo thinks Messi would struggle - report

08:30: Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo believes Lionel Messi would struggle to deliver in the Premier League, reports claim.

Spanish publication Don Balon claim the Portuguese thinks everything at the Nou Camp has been tailored to help Messi maximise his potential.

Don Balon continue to suggest that Ronaldo sees Messi's comparable hardship with the Argentina national team as evidence of this.

Reds eye De Vrij in January

08:00: Liverpool are interested in signing Lazio star Stefan De Vrij in January, reports claim.

Italian newspaper Il Tempo report that Jurgen Klopp has added the Dutch centre-back to his shopping list to help resolve their vulnerable defence.

The Serie A side want Liverpool to trigger his £40million release clause, but the player is hopeful they’ll allow him to leave for £22million.

It’s unclear if De Vrij is an alternative to Southampton star Virgil van Dijk, or whether Liverpool plan to sign both in a major defensive overhaul.

Musonda’s cryptic post

07:45: Winger Charly Musonda has posted a cryptic Instagram message appearing to show anger towards Chelsea.

Musonda, 20, has made just one first-team appearance for Chelsea since joining their youth system in 2012.

And the former Anderlecht prospect is clearly frustrated with a lack of opportunities.

He wrote alongside a picture of a black screen: “You sacrifice, you work hard, harder, you give more than what's expected, and often more than you can, because you love what you do and clearly more than you should.

“And what do you get back? Literally nothing... done.

“However, with this being said I will continue with same dedication and commitment to this great game.”

Chelsea News: Charly Musonda has vented his frustrations with a cryptic Instagram postINSTAGRAM

Chelsea News: Charly Musonda has vented his frustrations with a cryptic Instagram post

Giroud nominated

07:10: Olivier Giroud's scorpion kick strike for Arsenal against Crystal Palace last season was shortlisted for FIFA's goal of the year award alongside efforts from Venezuelan teenager Deyna Castellanos and goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke.

Giroud scored with an improvised volley in the Premier League match on January 1, producing an acrobatic flick with his left heel to convert Alexis Sanchez's cross into the net off the crossbar while tumbling forward.

Arsenal won the match 2-0 and Giroud, who admitted afterwards that he had a bit of luck with his connection, said it was the best goal he had ever scored.

The 31-year-old is the seventh Frenchman to be nominated for the award but the first to make the final shortlist of three.

Griezmann transfer demand

05:30: Antoine Griezmann has reportedly told Atletico Madrid he wants them to consider an offer should Barcelona make an approach. 

Griezmann was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United prior to this summer’s transfer window.

And the Spain international looked likely to complete a move to Old Trafford until Atletico Madrid’s transfer ban was upheld.

United then secured the services of Romelu Lukaku, who has been an instant hit under Jose Mourinho, scoring 10 goals in nine games in all competitions.

Despite Lukaku’s form at United and Zlatan Ibrahimovic available once he returns from injury, Mourinho is said to still be interested in signing Griezmann.

But El Gol Digital claim Griezmann has told Atletico he would like to listen to Barcelona’s proposal should they make a concrete offer.

Arsenal have to pay £20m if they want Besiktas ace

03:30: Arsenal have reportedly sent scouts to watch Besiktas playmaker Oguzhan Ozyakup. 

Ozyakup, 24, left Arsenal for Besiktas in 2012 for around £500,000 after he failed to make a breakthrough at the Emirates.

But his talents have not gone unnoticed with Turkish-Football saying Arsenal are plotting a move to bring him back to north London. 

It is said Gunners scouts have been monitoring the playmaker in recent weeks, which included Turkey’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Iceland on Friday. 

Ozyakup has less than 10 months remaining on his current deal at the Vodafone Arena and could leave the club on a free transfer in the summer.

Jose Mourinho scouting trip

00:30: Jose Mourinho reportedly underwent a secret scouting mission last week to run the rule over Serbia winger Mijat Gacinovic.

The 22-year-old started and played 87 minutes of Serbia’s 3-2 defeat to Austria in a World Cup qualifier.

The Daily Mirror report there were various conspiracies bandied about as to who Mourinho was at the game to see.

However, they claim Mourinho was scouting Gacinovic, who is currently playing for Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt.

It is reckoned Mourinho was given the lowdown on Gacinovic by Nemanja Matic, who has been impressed with the player’s work rate and ability to operate in a variety of positions.

Jose Mourinho went on a scouting mission to watch Mijat GacinovicGETTY

Jose Mourinho went on a scouting mission to watch Mijat Gacinovic

Monday October 9

Giroud on Everton switch

21.50: Olivier Giroud has admitted he came very close to leaving Arsenal for Everton in the summer and also turned down Marseille and Lyon.

“I had the opportunity to leave,” he told French broadcaster Canal Football Club ahead of France’s final World Cup qualifier with Belarus.

“I was very close to another English club, Everton, but I think I made the best choice.

“I have a lot of respect for Marseille, I was a fan for years.

“I also have a lot of respect for Lyon, who were also interested at one time but I didn't want to return to France.

“I’m happy in England, it's nothing against those clubs. But a return to France is possible one day.”

Griezmann to Barcelona

15:50: Antoine Griezmann is Barcelona’s ‘number one goal’ in the transfer window next summer.

That is according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

Griezmann is wanted at a number of clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Atletico Madrid are aware they may struggle to keep their star striker in the summer, although they hope his ££89m release clause deters suitors.

It is claimed Barca will push heavily to sign the France international ahead of their rivals.

Allardyce: Real or Barca could sign Kane

14:50: Sam Allardyce thinks Harry Kane could be sold to Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

Tottenham chiefs are adamant their star striker, who has netted 15 goals in 13 games for club and country this season, is going nowhere.

But despite Spurs’ hardline stance, Allardyce believes a move could be on the cards in the next few years.

He told Paddy Power: “Harry Kane is clearly happy at Tottenham, at the moment. I think he’ll be looking at staying for the next two to three seasons but, after that, who knows? Maybe it’ll be time to move on.

“He could easily attract interest from the big guns – Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.

“Those three clubs are the only three that would tempt Harry to leave Tottenham, especially if he wins something there.

“I don’t think Spurs would ever want to sell Harry Kane to a Premier League club. But they sold Gareth Bale in the end – as much as they want to hold on to him, money does talk.”

Transfer news live updates Antoine GriezmannGETTY

Barcelona have made Antoine Griezmann their number one target

Griezmann thinks United are coming

14:45: Atletico Madrid hitman Antoine Griezmann thinks Manchester United still plan to sign him at the end of the season.

The France forward nearly signed this summer, only for Atletico's transfer ban to scupper a move.

And Don Balon report Griezmann thinks United may try and get him again.

However, the Red Devils are not the only European heavyweight plotting a summer bid.

Griezmann is also said to be tickling the fancy of both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Anfield was special - Drogba

14:35: Didier Drogba says Anfield was one of the best stadiums he ever visited.

“Liverpool. I really enjoyed going there and playing there. We played them in the Champions League so many times,” Drogba said.

“You knew that it was going to be tough, a big game, a difficult game. They were never games you won or lost three or four nil, it was always tight, sometimes they won without goals…they were really good battles.

“Anfield is definitely one of the best stadiums to play at.”

Can honoured by interest

14:30: Liverpool midfielder Emre Can admits he is honoured by interest from Italian champions Juventus as uncertainty about his future continues.

The Germany international is in the final nine months of his current deal at Anfield, making him eligible in January to sign a pre-contract for next summer with other clubs.

Can insists he is concentrating on playing for Liverpool, for whom he has started five of seven Premier League matches this season as well as both Champions League group games, but is aware of the Serie A club's desire to sign him.

"It's always an honour to receive an offer from such a renowned club, but currently I am only focused on the season with Liverpool," Can told German newspaper Kicker.

"My agent takes care of the rest.

"The Premier League is just a really cool league, the most interesting in the world, but you must always respect other big clubs and leagues.

"You never know what will happen. And I don't know what Jurgen Klopp plans."

Liverpool Transfer News: Emre Can is honoured by Juventus' interestREUTERS

Liverpool Transfer News: Emre Can is honoured by Juventus' interest

Barca duo off?

14:20: Barcelona duo Paco Alcacer and Gerard Deulofeu could leave the club next summer, reports claim.

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claim manager Ernesto Valverde has no plans for the pair, and is prepared to offload them.

Deulofeu, who re-joined from Everton after Barcelona triggers his buyout clause, could be snapped up for £17.8million.

Hazard contract update

14:15: Eden Hazard’s potential move to Real Madrid could hinge on whether he signs a contract extension at Chelsea.

Hazard, 26, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid after playing a crucial part in Chelsea’s Premier League title triumph last season. 

He has continued to produce eye-catching performances after returning from injury this term as the Blues currently sit fourth in the league table.

The attacker looks set to be rewarded with a bumper new contract and is locked in talks with Chelsea over fresh terms. 

But Belgium journalist Kristof Terruer reckons there is a lot at stake for Hazard as it is now or never for him to seal a move to Real Madrid.

“For him, this summer (2018) will be a now-or-never as he becomes 27,” he told the Transfer Window Podcast.

“If they come for him it’s choosing between Chelsea and Real for the rest of his career. We’ll see what happens if he signs that contract in the coming weeks or months.”

Pedro backs Iniesta for top role

14:00: Chelsea winger Pedro believes Andres Iniesta could manage Barcelona in the future.

Pedro, who played alongside Iniesta at the Nou Camp, is thrilled the playmaker extended his contract and thinks he’s capable of becoming a top manager.

He said: “It is a great joy. He's a spectacular player and I'm very happy for him. He deserves it for his behaviour, his values. That's the captain.

"If someone deserves an extension like this, it's him. Certainly, he could coach Barca in the future, but I hope he does what he likes best. He is a great team-mate and friend."

Overmars incoming

13:45: Marc Overmars has reportedly struck an agreement with Arsenal, and will join the Premier League club next season.

Italian website TMW claim Overmars, who netted 40 goals in all competitions for Arsenal, will end his role as Ajax’s director of football.

The report doesn’t specify in what capacity Overmars will return to North London, but it’s assumed that it will be similar to his current job.

Wilshere: I’m getting back to my best

13:30: Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is convinced he’s getting back to his best.

Wilshere, 25, is yet to play a League match this season but has been impressive during Arsenal’s Europa League and Carabao Cup matches.

“I always hear the boss say it is my first five-metre burst, when I receive the ball and to get away from defenders, and I feel that’s getting better and better each day,” Wilshere said.

"My fitness levels, if I’m honest, are probably the best they’ve ever been."

Szczesny dig

13:15: Wojciech Szczesny appears to have taken aim at Arsenal after revealing that he joined Juventus to win trophies.

The Poland international left Arsenal for Juventus over the summer, and feels their winning mentality makes a huge difference.

He said, "I chose Juve because I need to win everything, here is a great mentality that makes a difference every day.

"Inside the dressing room I feel stronger and quicker. It was a normal choice: when Juve calls you, you have to go, and I'm very happy.

"Paulo Dybala is out of this world, among the best around, right after Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski."

Star players available for FREE next summer

13:00: Barcelona ace Lionel Messi is one of a host of star players who could leave his club on a free transfer next summer.

The Argentine ace has yet to sign a new contract with Barcelona and the Catalans will be growing anxious as the January transfer window approaches. 

Any player whose contract is due to expire in the summer of 2018 can agree to join a foreign club on a free transfer when the winter window opens. 

And Messi could be one of a number of top class players who could be tempted with a bumper new deal elsewhere. 

In the Premier League, Arsenal duo Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have been stalling on signing a new contract while Manchester United have a handful of star men who are nearing the end of their current deals. 

So which players could be available for free next summer?

Click through the gallery to find out!

Barcelona News: Lionel Messi is out of contract next summerREUTERS

Barcelona News: Lionel Messi is out of contract next summer

Morata to miss Crystal Palace match

12:45: Alvaro Morata will not be fit for Chelsea’s crunch visit to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Spain striker aggravated a Grade 2 hamstring injury in Chelsea’s defeat by Manchester City last week and the Spaniard has been having intensive treatment at the club’s Cobham training ground, but he will not recover in time.

Top scorer Morata will begin light running in the next few days – and the club have pencilled in the home Champions league game with Roma, on Wednesday week, as his comeback date.

‘There’s nothing left of Memphis Depay’

12:20: Former Dutch international  Wim Kieft is astonished by Memphis Depay’s career trajectory since he left PSV Eindhoven for Manchester United.

Depay, 23, failed to establish himself at Old Trafford before signing a four-and-a-half year deal with Lyon.

Kieft told Ziggo Sports: "What has happened to the boy in his development? I'm so sorry. He's a different boy.

"He was good in the youth at PSV. But was also on the edge: 'How should I behave?' That went a long way. At PSV he found his way. So we thought he was on the right track, but there's nothing left of him.

"It seems he has a lot of self-confidence, but he loses the first ball he gets. I'm very sorry." 

Salah’s BIG reward

12:15: The school which Liverpool star Mohamed Salah graduated from in his hometown of Bassyoun has been named after him as reward after yesterdays heroics.

Salah's stoppage-time penalty earned Egypt a 2-1 win against Congo and a place in the World Cup finals for the first time since 1990.

Messi gives blessing

12:00: Lionel Messi gave Barcelona the green light to make a move for Antoine Griezmann over the summer, it has been claimed.

Barcelona endured a rocky summer, losing Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain on the back of a season where fierce rivals Real Madrid had reigned supreme domestically and in Europe. 

Their attempts to land a replacement were made difficult by the hard stances of both Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool surrounding Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho.

Barcelona eventually signed Dembele for a huge £96million, while they were unable to convince Liverpool into letting Coutinho move to the Nou Camp.

And Spanish website Don Balon say Lionel Messi wanted the club to sign Griezmann from Atletico Madrid.

Liverpool News: Mo Salah will have his old school named after him in Egypt after yesterday's heroicsREUTERS

Liverpool News: Mo Salah will have his old school named after him in Egypt after yesterday's heroics

Vanheusden not getting distracted

12:00: Liverpool transfer target Zinho Vanheusden is refusing to be distracted by rumours about his future.

The Inter Milan defender is being linked with a Premier League switch with Liverpool and Southampton both interested.

But the young Belgian simply wants to improve.

He said: “I do not think that I have to say whether I have quality or not, that's what the coach and others have to say. I have to work every day to improve because there are still many aspects to perfect.

"My idol is Sergio Ramos, but in Italy, they call me Leonardo Bonucci, and this is a great compliment because he and Ramos are the best defenders in the world.

"I train with great champions and a coach like Luciano Spalletti who helps me a lot."

Mbappe wants Griezmann at PSG

11:30: Paris St-Germain star Kylian Mbappe has asked the Ligue 1 giants to sign Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid, reports say.

PSG enjoyed a stunning summer transfer window, with Mbappe arriving from Monaco on loan with a £166million transfer looming large next season.

The France international was joined at the Parc des Princes by Neymar, who signed from Barcelona in a controversial £200m deal.

Their successful summer means, however, that Edinson Cavani could depart with the Uruguay international clashing with Neymar during a league game against Lyon last month.

And Spanish outlet Don Balon claims Mbappe has asked PSG to raid Atletico for Griezmann should Cavani be sold at the end of the current campaign.

Arsenal in talks with Turan

11:10: The never-ending story of Arda Turan to Arsenal has resurfaced.

The Gunners have frequently been linked with the Barcelona outcast, who’s struggled to cement himself at the Nou Camp.

CNN Turk claim Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is eager to sign the 30-year-old, and has already opened talks with the player’s representatives.

Galatasaray are also in contact with Turan, but it’s thought the North London club are favourites for his signature.

United free to sign Bale

11:00: Manchester United are free to sign Gareth Bale next summer with reports claiming Real Madrid are happy to let the Wales international depart.

Bale nearly joined Manchester United four years ago, only for the 28-year-old to move to Spain with Real Madrid instead.

The Wales international has won the Champions League three times since leaving Tottenham, starring under Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa Benitez and Zinedine Zidane.

However, his Real career has taken a turn for the worse in recent months, with the Bernabeu crowd booing and jeering him.

And Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo says that Premier League teams are now free to sign Gareth Bale with Real happy to do business for the wing wizard.

That news will surely prick the ears of Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.

The 54-year-old was determined to make Bale his marquee signing of the summer, knowing the rise of Marco Asensio could see him struggle for game time.

The Wales international eventually opted to stay put but Mundo Deportivo claim his Real career is now winding down.

City to trigger Roberto release clause

10:30: Manchester City are prepared to pay the £35.7million euro release clause attached to Barcelona's Sergi Roberto, according to a report in the Daily Mirror.

The Blues are keen to bring the 25-year-old to the Ethiad Stadium in January, with the versatile player capable of filling a midfield role or either of the full-back positions.

Martial bid rejected by United

10:15: Manchester United have rejected a bid from Arsenal for Anthony Martial.

Transfer Market Web say the Gunners approached Jose Mourinho's side about a transfer.

But the Red Devils told Arsenal they would be rejecting their offer.

With six goals and five assists, it is no wonder Mourinho is so determined to retain the France international. 

Barca want Dele over Coutinho

10:00: Barcelona want to sign Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli instead of Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho, reports say.

Barcelona tried to sign Coutinho from Liverpool over the summer, fuelled by the riches garnered from Neymar’s £200million move to Paris Saint-Germain.

However, despite the Brazilian being hellbent on leaving Merseyside, the Catalan giants were unable to convince Jurgen Klopp into selling his star asset.

And Catalan newspaper Sport says Barcelona now want to sign Alli, whose stock continues to rise over in north London at Tottenham.

PSG eye David de Gea

09:20: Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has emerged as a player of interest to Paris Saint-Germain.

After a shaky start to his career at Manchester United, De Gea has developed into one of the best goalkeepers in world football.

United have seen off considerable interest in De Gea from Real Madrid in the past and are now hoping to extended his contract.

But PSG made a huge statement to world football when they signed Neymar and Kylian Mbappe during the summer and, with the backing of Qatari ownership, they are likely to make more big deals in the coming windows.

And according to French outlet Le10 Sport, PSG are now considering a move for De Gea.

Current goalkeepers Kevin Trapp and Alphonse Areola have failed to convince at the Parc de Frances.

Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak is mentioned as a transfer target but De Gea is viewed as a possibility at the end of the season.

Transfer News: Barcelona are interested in signing Dele AlliGETTY

Transfer News: Barcelona are interested in signing Dele Alli

Meireles to return…

09:00: Free agent Raul Meireles could see out his playing days in the Premier League, according the Birmingham Mail.

The 34-year-old has reportedly been offered to West Brom, Leicester and Watford.

The midfielder earned 73 caps for Portugal and has previously had a taste of the English top flight while at Chelsea and Liverpool six years ago.

Blind to Galatasaray

08:40: Daley Blind could be leaving Manchester United for Galatasaray in the January transfer window, suggests Calciomercato.

The possible departure of the full-back could signal good news for Matteo Darmian, who has struggled to find a place United's starting XI.

The Italian could fill the void if Blind's move to Turkey comes to fruition.

Van Dijk still a top target

08:20: Liverpool remain committed to signing Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk, reports claim.

The Reds saw numerous bids for van Dijk rejected over the summer, and were forced to apologise when Southampton accused them of tapping up the 26-year-old defender in June.

But reports claim Liverpool haven’t given up hope of signing the Dutch international.

Last week Van Dijk discussed his intentions to leave Southampton, and the Daily Mail claim he remains a "prime objective" for Liverpool.

Sandro blow…

08:00: Chelsea could be left disappointed in their attempt to bring Juventus star Alex Sandro to Stamford Bridge, reports the Daily Star.

Having missed the opportunity to sign the player before the transfer window shut, Chelsea looked to be keen to try again come January.

But the Serie A side do not seem to want to lose their star left-back despite rumours of a £70million offer.

Manchester City are prepared to offer £359m for Lionel MessiGETTY

Manchester City are prepared to offer £359m for Lionel Messi

Coutinho talks intensify - report

07:45: Paris St-Germain have stepped up their pursuit of Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho, reports claim.

Tribal Football recently claimed that PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi had held talks with Coutinho's agent, Kia Joorabchian, about moving to the Parc des Princes.

And it’s now thought Al-Khelaifi has drafted in support to secure the Brazilian’s signature.

French publication Le 10 Sport say Al-Khelaifi has enlisted sports director Antero Henrique and his No.2 Maxwell to help with the project.

Man City £359m Messi bid

07:30: Manchester City are reportedly prepared to break the bank in order to sign Lionel Messi should he opt against completing the signature of a new deal at Barcelona.

Barcelona chiefs have maintained they are not concerned about Messi’s situation, despite his current deal expiring at the end of the season.

However, Spanish outlet Marca claim Manchester City are ready to pounce and have already held talks with Messi’s representatives.

They report sources closes to Pep Guardiola’s side have said that “serious conversation have been held with the footballer’s inner circle”.

If they get an incline that Messi could be tempted to reunite with his former Barcelona boss at the Etihad, City were prepared to offer £359million for his services.

Neymar wants Coutinho

07:00: Neymar has told Paris Saint-Germain to sign Philippe Coutinho in January. 

Barcelona are understood to still be keen on signing Coutinho next summer.

But it now appears they face strong competition from PSG for the 25-year-old.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Coutinho’s compatriot and good friend Neymar has instructed PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi sign the Liverpool star.

Al-Khelaifi is said to be 'committed to the signing’ of Coutinho and are prepared to match any bid Barcelona make.

Wenger plots Rafinha/Ozil switch

06:30: Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona midfielder Rafinha.

Rafinha, 24, is yet to make an appearance for Barcelona this season due to being sidelined with a knee ligament injury. 

The Brazil international is expected to return to full fitness in December, but is unlikely to feature in Ernesto Valverde’s plans. 

He has been heavily linked with moves away from the Nou Camp in recent seasons, but has opted to stay in a bid to become a first-team regular. 

His father Mazinho - who also serves as his agent - insisted in May that he has no interest in leaving the club.

But since Valverde has taken charge, he appears to have changed his mind. 

Spanish outlet SuperDeporte claim the player is now seeking a way out of Barcelona in January.

It is said he wants to leave in order to boost his chances of making Brazil’s 2018 World Cup squad in Russia. 

And Arsenal are apparently keen on securing his signature as they bid to find a long-term replacement for Mesut Ozil.

Arsenal battle with Inter

06:00: Arsenal will go head-to-head to sign Atlanta United star Miguel Almiron.

The Paraguay international has impressed in the MLS this season and has attracted interest from a number of European clubs.

And Calciomercato claim Arsenal and Inter Milan could battle for his signature.

The attacking midfielder could reportedly cost between £13m and £18m.

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