The summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Manchester City eye possible reinforcements.
The 2018-19 champions did not bring in a single player during the January transfer window, despite suffering a defensive shortage for much of the 2019-20 campaign, but they have already started their business for the summer.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Etihad.
Friday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:
Lionel Messi 'will report to Barcelona training on Monday'
© Reuters
Lionel Messi has reportedly been advised to continue attending Barcelona training for the foreseeable future.
Earlier this week, Messi informed club officials that he wishes to leave Camp Nou this summer, allegedly citing a free transfer clause in his contract.
However, with that option having expired on June 10, Barcelona will rebuff any attempts from the 33-year-old to depart the club without a fee being involved.
Although negotiations regarding an exit are likely to be prolonged, TyC Sports suggests that Messi has been told to continue with business as normal.
The Argentine's legal representatives are said to be want the forward to turn up at training on Monday in a bid to avoid handing Barcelona any leverage behind the scenes.
Messi, who has less than 12 months on his contract, is reportedly attracting attention from Manchester City, Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.
Barcelona chief Josep Maria Bartomeu 'promises to resign if Lionel Messi stays'
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Josep Maria Bartomeu is reportedly prepared to resign as Barcelona president if it helps the club retain the services of Lionel Messi.
After weeks of speculation, it was confirmed on Tuesday evening that the 33-year-old has expressed a desire to depart Camp Nou during the summer transfer window.
While the Catalan giants have been performing below their high standards on the pitch, there is also turmoil behind the scenes with a number of relationships said to have broken down.
With Barcelona desperate to keep Messi, TV3 claims that Bartomeu will end his stint at the club if Messi promises to extend his career in La Liga.
The report suggests that Bartomeu would want Messi to publicly identify him as the biggest issue for wanting to take on a new challenge.
Manchester City have emerged as genuine contenders to sign Messi, with the Premier League outfit prepared to agree terms which would allow the superstar to move elsewhere at the back end of his playing days.
More transfer news from Manchester City:
Lionel Messi deal 'would cost Manchester City £500m'
Any deal to take Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi to Manchester City would reportedly cost the Premier League club more than half a billion pounds. Read more.
Wayne Rooney: 'Lionel Messi could win Ballon d'Or at Manchester United'
The 34-year-old would welcome "the best player of all time" to England. Read more.
Manchester City 'ready to offer Barca three players plus £90m for Lionel Messi'
Manchester City reportedly prepare to offer Barcelona three players plus £90m for club captain Lionel Messi, who is seeking a move elsewhere. Read more.
Lionel Messi 'wants Neymar to join him at Manchester City'
Lionel Messi wants former Barcelona teammate Neymar to join him at Manchester City, according to a report. Read more.
Ronaldo urges Barcelona to keep hold of Lionel Messi
Former forward Ronaldo urges Barcelona and Lionel Messi to prolong their "strong relationship", despite the Argentine handing in a transfer request. Read more.
Neymar 'asks Paris Saint-Germain to sign Lionel Messi'
Neymar allegedly asks Paris Saint-Germain to make an approach for want-away Barcelona forward Lionel Messi. Read more.
Five new signings to keep an eye on in the Premier League this season
The 2020/21 top-flight campaign gets under way on September 12. Read more.
Barcelona legend Rivaldo urges Lionel Messi to join Manchester City
Barcelona legend Rivaldo claims that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is ideally suited to get the best out of Lionel Messi during the rest of his career. Read more.
Barcelona 'lining up Sadio Mane as Lionel Messi replacement'
Barcelona could target Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane as a replacement for Lionel Messi, according to a report. Read more.
Lionel Messi set to break silence after Barcelona transfer request?
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi will break his silence in the next few days after handing in a transfer request, according to a report. Read more.
Manchester City 'confident of signing Kalidou Koulibaly'
Manchester City are confident of signing Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly this summer, according to a report. Read more.
Bayern Munich rule out Lionel Messi move due to cost of deal
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge rules Bayern Munich out of the race to sign Lionel Messi from Barcelona. Read more.
Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci 'turns down Manchester City move'
Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci reportedly turns down the chance to join Manchester City as he wants to work under former teammate Andrea Pirlo. Read more.
