Cristiano Ronaldo ‘offered £230,000-a-week by Man City, Harry Kane wants £400k-a-week, Kounde Chelsea transfer update

LIKELY LINE-UP

Manchester City are eager to add Harry Kane and Lionel Messi to their ranks this summer after sealing a £100million deal for Jack Grealish.

If they could lure both men to the Etihad, would that be the best transfer window of all time?

And if they did join up with Pep Guardiola and Co. surely City would finally win that elusive Champions League title they have waited so long for?

JOHN'S VERDICT

Former Aston Villa assistant manager John Terry has taken to Instagram to wish Jack Grealish luck following his £100million move to Manchester City, saying:

"Good Luck Jack Grealish! I know how tough this decision would have been for you mate. You gave Aston Villa EVERYTHING.

"It was a pleasure playing alongside you & watching you become one of the BEST players in the world.

"One of the hardest working players I have ever seen and a great man. Man City… What a player you have here."

John Terry on Instagram

TORREIRA TALKS

Arsenal outcast Lucas Torreira is in talks with a move to Italian side Lazio, according to the Telegraph.

The 25-year-old Uruguayan moved to Arsenal in a £26million move from Sampdoria in 2018 but after a successful first season Torreira’s Arsenal career has taken a down turn.

He’s barely featured for the Gunners in the last two years, and was sent out on loan to Atletico Madrid last season.

Torreira has also opened up on losing his mother to Covid-19 and the difficult times he’s been through on and off the pitch.

A move away from the Emirates seems to be the best deal for all parties but the Gunners are said to be having difficulties finding suitors for the 25-year-old.

LOOKING AT LEON

With Paul Pogba's Manchester United future up in the air the Red Devils are keen to add a midfielder to their ranks.

Saul Niguez has been widely tipped with a move to Manchester, but the club are also still said to be eager to tie up a deal for Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, according to reports from Germany.

There had been interest in the 26-year-old earlier in the summer, but that seemed to have cooled in recent days.

That's because Bayern are said to have opened talks on a new contract for the German international who is in the final year of his contract, but United remain hopeful a deal is still on the cards.

This one isn't over yet...

MESSI DRAMA

Despite Lionel Messi being in contact with PSG over a move, the 34-year-olds preferred choice would be MANCHESTER CITY.

That's according to the Mail Online via Spanish outlet Marca.

PSG's extortionate wage bill is said to be a stumbling block, as well as tax issues in France.

A £25million-a-year salary for Messi would actually see PSG spending £59million over the course of the year in wages and taxes.

It means despite PSG's riches, a move may be financially impossible, with Messi said to rather a move to Manchester.

CONTACT MADE

According to Fabrizio Romano, PSG are already in 'direct contact' with Messi and his father/agent Jorge.

And The Athletic report that Messi himself reached out to fellow Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino late on Thursday.

PSG and Manchester City are the two favourites for Messi's signature, with both clubs having ties to the 34-year-old.

A move to Manchester City would mean a reunion with former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, with the pair winning two Champions League titles with Barca in 2009 and 2011.

Meanwhile a move to Manchester City would see Messi reunite with former Barcelona teammate and good friend Neymar, with the Brazilian stating in the past his desire to link up with Messi in Paris.

A move to the French capital would also allow Messi to work under fellow Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino, the current boss of Le Parisiens.

MESSI SITUATION

Lionel Messi has reportedly been "emotionally destroyed" by Barcelona announcing his departure from the club, KEALAN HUGHES writes.

The Argentine, 34, believed a new deal was close after agreeing terms to a new five-year deal.

Messi was even believed to be willing to accept a 50 per cent reduction in his salary to extend his stay, after officially becoming a free agent on July 1.

Reports in Spain on Wednesday suggested his contract was close to being announced, before the bombshell turnaround on Thursday evening.

Barcelona confirmed Messi's exit from the club, stating financial restrictions placed on them by La Liga prevented the possibility of Messi staying.

And according to Diario SPORT, Messi has been "emotionally destroyed" by the decision to let him go.

GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS

What an incredible day of drama yesterday was in the footballing world. 

Jack Grealish was officially unveiled as a Manchester City player as he became the most expensive Englishman of all time in a Premier League record £100million deal. 

But it’s the news that followed that sent shockwaves through the sport. 

Lionel Messi WILL leave Barcelona this summer.

After 17 years in the Barcelona first team the Argentinian will leave Camp Nou after contract talks between him and the Catalan club broke down. 

We’ll keep you right up to date with who is leading the race for the 34-year-olds signature. 

And Inter Milan are reportedly set to accept a bid from Chelsea for Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku. 

The Nerazzurri rejected an offer of £85million plus Marcos Alonso from the Blues, but another bid in the region of £100-110million is expected. 

And Lukaku has told Inter he’d like to leave, with the 28-year-old eager to right some wrongs from his previous spell at Stamford Bridge. 

Argentinian centre-back Cristian Romero is expected to be unveiled as a Spurs player today after a £43million plus add-ons move from Atalanta. 

The 23-year-old joins the North London club fresh from winning the Copa America with his country and comes in to replace Toby Alderweireld in the heart of defence. 

MESSI STATS

Here are Lionel Messi's numbers for Barcelona last season in LaLiga.

He didn't know it at the time but those will be the last stats in the famous colours of the Nou Camp club.

MESSI'S NEXT STOP: PSG?

Paris Saint-Germain have already put in some hard yards on the Lionel Messi transfer, making the Barcelona legend an offer.

But Messi has been determined to stay at the Nou Camp, according to Fabrizio Romano.

However, the club's financial troubles and LaLiga putting their foot down have scuppered any hope of Messi staying at the club he has stayed at his entire career.

Other potential suitors include Manchester City and Chelsea.

CHELSEA 'CONFIDENT' ON ROM

The Blues are growing increasingly assured that they can do a deal for former striker Romelu Lukaku to return to Stamford Bridge.

The Belgian, 28, is expected to be part of an Inter Milan exodus following Nerazzurri's Serie A win last season.

Sky Sport Italia's Angelo Mangiante says Chelsea are progressing talks with Inter over the striker.

MESSI CONTACTS BEGIN

Paris Saint-Germain have already made direct contact with Lionel Messi following his Barcelona exit.

Barca announced that Messi will be leaving the club following 17 stunning years at the Nou Camp.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, PSG have already put the wheels in motion with the hope of signing the Argentina international.

Here's what Romano posted:

ART OF PERSUASION

Jack Grealish revealed his England team-mates persuaded him to accept the record-breaking Manchester City transfer.

And Grealish was particularly keen to link up with his ‘little brother’ Phil Foden at club level as well as on the international stage.

City trio John Stones, Kyle Walker and Raheem Sterling all helped to convince the Aston Villa skipper that the Etihad was the right move for him during their time together at Euro 2020.

Asked about his Three Lions pals, Grealish said: “That helps massively. We speak anyway when we are away with England about our own clubs.

“The likes of Stones, Raz, Phil and Walks had nothing but good words to say whenever it has been mentioned.

“When we are away with England I get on so well with Phil. He makes me laugh, he is like my little brother. I just can’t wait to play with him regularly, week in, week out.

“I feel like sometimes, when you have a connection with someone off the pitch, you can transfer that onto the pitch as well.

“That is what me and Phil used to do in training when we were with England and I can’t wait to do that here.”

G-REALLY LONG WAY

Manchester City signing Jack Grealish has come a long way to become the most expensive transfer in British football history.

The whopping £100million move caps a remarkable journey for Grealish, who has been at Villa for almost 19 years, writes SunSport's Jon Boon.

The versatile forward was born in 1995 and raised in Solihull by parents Kevin and Karen, who have Irish roots.

After joining his boyhood club aged six, the playmaker toughened up by playing Gaelic football on the side - something his father says has helped him in anticipating tackles.

The 25-year-old has also followed in the footsteps of his great-great grandfather by representing the England national team - after controversially switching his allegiance from Ireland six years ago.

It's easy to forget Grealish was a late bloomer in international football - and didn't make his full England debut until two days before he turned 25.

And he could quite easily have been sat at home watching the Euros in his plush Barnt Green, Worcestershire home had he not snubbed Republic of Ireland at the eleventh hour in 2015.

Off the pitch, the classy midfielder is generous with his time and money as he is renowned for his charity work in and around the Birmingham community

CAN CITY AFFORD MESSI?

Manchester City could make a move for Lionel Messi after Barcelona confirmed their legendary talisman will no longer play for them.

But can City afford Messi? According to SunSport's Kealan Hughes they have a shot.

The star forward reportedly agreed a deal in principle with Barca to reduce his wages by 50 per cent, which means the Citizens may be able to afford his wages - unlike the Blaugrana.

But circumstances have changed with the Premier League champions having just announced their British record £100million signing of Jack Grealish.

If the Manchester giants do move for the Argentina international they could be rivalled by Paris Saint-Germain, who are believed to have offered him a lucrative contract.

VILLA FAREWELL

Aston Villa bid farewell to Jack Grealish, who joined Manchester City.

Grealish moved to City following a whopping £100million deal between the two clubs.

The forward shared an emotional message to Villa following his departure.

And the club thanked him for the memories

G-REALLY EMOTIONAL

Jack Grealish issued an emotional message to Aston Villa following his move to Manchester City.

City officially announced that Grealish has joined their ranks following a record-breaking £100million deal.

The forward looked back at his 19-year stint at Villa Park and said he remains a Villa fan.

Here's what the England international posted:

TXIKI REACTS

Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain has praised the club's most recent signing Jack Grealish.

Begiristain said: "We are absolutely delighted to be able to welcome Jack Grealish to Manchester City. He is an incredible talent.

“Jack’s development over the past few seasons both for club and country has been plain for everybody to see. His natural talent together with his commitment to improve as a player, has seen him become one of the most exciting attacking players in world football today.

“I am certain that the fans are going to love seeing him in our team. Pep [Guardiola] loves the way he plays, and we all feel he is an ideal fit for Manchester City. Our style and his style are a perfect match. I’m excited to watch him over the coming years”

GREALISH REACTS

Manchester City signing Jack Grealish is excited to have joined the "best team in the country".

Grealish said: “I am incredibly happy to have joined Manchester City. City are the best team in the country with a manager considered to be the best in the world – it’s a dream come true to be part of this club.

“Over the past 10 seasons, they have won major trophies consistently. Pep [Guardiola] coming here has taken them to the next level and the football this team plays is the most exciting in Europe.

"To play for Pep and learn from him is going to be special and it’s something any top footballer would want.

“The facilities are amazing, and I honestly can’t wait to get started, meet everyone and get playing”

CITY CONFIRM

Manchester City confirmed Jack Grealish's arrival by saying they are "delighted" to welcome a player who has shone for his club and country.

A City statement read: "Manchester City is delighted to announce the signing of Jack Grealish on a six-year deal.

"The 25-year-old midfielder joins from Aston Villa, having made 213 appearances over the course of eight seasons, scoring 32 goals and assisting 43.

"In addition to widespread admiration for his domestic performances, Jack also received plaudits for his impressive individual and team contribution to the England squad, as the national team reached the final of the Euro 2020 competition in a truly memorable summer for fans all over the country"

GREALISH JOINS CITY

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa.

Grealish moves to the Etihad after City reached a staggering £100million deal with Villa.

This marks the most expensive transfer in British football history.

The England international passed his medical earlier today and is now set to link up with Pep Guardiola's men

GREAL SWEETHEART

Former Aston Villa ace Marcus Allback described Jack Grealish as one of the club's biggest "sweethearts" and suggested leaving for Manchester City must have been a hard decision for him.

Allback told Rekatochklart: "It would be nice if he stayed and it would have been a hard decision to leave.

"He's grown up with Villa and he has a lot of emotions for the club and city, so for him to move to Manchester City is hard. He'll always be one of Villa's sweethearts.

"It would be cool if he resisted the offer and stayed at Villa as they brought players in and really tried to go for it"

CITY ON MESSI

Manchester City confirmed last year that they would be in a position to move for Lionel Messi Messi if he became available.

City's Chief Operating Officer Omar Berrada told Manchester Evening News last October: "He's an amazing talent , he's somebody that can make a significant impact at any club in the world on and off the pitch immediately.

"He's the best player in the world, he's the best player of his generation. I think any club in the world would like to explore the possibility of him joining their team. The fact that it was commented that he wanted to come to play for City just shows you how far the team has come over the last years where the best talent of his generation and potentially saying he wants to come and play for us.

"It's hard to guess what could happen. If you think back to those two weeks where everything played out at Barcelona, it's almost impossible to guess what will happen next summer. Messi is a generational talent, he's the best player in the world and probably an exception to potential investments that we'd do out of the ordinary but our planning has been done with this current squad and it is being considered with the current opportunities that we have.

"For every single position we have to be prepared because there can be so many things that can happen but at the same time I think we have the financial strength and system ability to make that investment [in a striker] when required.

"That's what puts us in a position where we feel comfortable that we'll be able to take the right decision because it also doesn't mean that we'll have to rush into anything - first because Sergio [Aguero] and Gabriel [Jesus] are performing very well, they are two of the best strikers in the world right now, and when we do decide to bring in potentially someone else, whether it is next season or the one after that then we will be in a financial position to do it for the right price"

MESSI ANNOUNCEMENT

Barcelona announced that Lionel Messi's departure comes down to "financial and structural obstacles".

A statement from Barca read: "Despite FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi having reached an agreement and the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, this cannot happen because of financial and structural obstacles (Spanish Liga regulations).

"As a result of this situation, Messi shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled.

"FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life"

MESSI OUT

Barcelona have confirmed that Lionel Messi will be leaving the club this summer.

Barca announced that Messi is set to roll credits on his stunning 17-year stint at the Nou Camp.

At first it looked like the two sides reached an agreement over a new five-year deal that would see the star forward taking a 50 per cent salary cut.

However, talks fell through during a recent meeting on Thursday and thus the Argentina international is now officially up for grabs.

Manchester City showed interest in Messi last year before he signed a one-year extension...