Bayern Munich chief makes David Alaba contract claim amid Man City transfer links

straight to your inboxThe president of Argentina, Alberto Fernandez, has urged Lionel Messi to reject a potential move to Manchester City in favour of joining Newell's Old Boys.Messi failed to report for coronavirus testing at Barcelona's training complex yesterday as he continues his battle to leave the club.The Argentine’s decision not to attend means he will be unable to participate in Ronald Koeman's first training session today.Messi has told the Barcelona hierarchy last week that he wants

straight to your inboxBarcelona will demand £250m for Lionel Messi and have identified the player they want to replace him, according to the latest reports.Manchester City continue to be linked with Messi, who failed to attend pre-season testing at Barcelona on Sunday as the dispute over his contract continues.

straight to your inbox Manchester City target Kalidou Koulibaly played in a reserve team for Napoli as their preparations for the new season got underway last night. And that is being seen in Naples as a hint that the Serie A side are already planning to be without the Senegal defender in the season ahead.City are relaxed about the signing, waiting for Napoli to drop their transfer fee demands.

straight to your inbox A football agent who helped to take Lionel Messi to Barcelona claims it is “90 per cent” sure that the player will stay at the Nou Camp. Manchester City are awaiting the outcome of the player's attempts to extricate himself from the club, which will hit a crucial phase in the next 48 hours.

straight to your inbox Lionel Messi could have a similar effect on Manchester City to the Robinho signing 12 years ago.

straight to your inbox Barcelona have not given up on keeping Lionel Messi despite the player’s dramatic transfer request on Tuesday. The club’s new football director Ramon Planes – who replaced Eric Abidal last week – said that they are working long hours to try to head off the crisis and persuade Messi to stay, with Manchester City seen as favourites to land him.

straight to your inbox Bruno Fernandes has all the characteristics to captain Manchester United one day, according to his former manager Andrea Stramaccioni. After months of speculation, Fernandes finally arrived at Old Trafford in January and immediately become one of their most important players.

straight to your inboxRoberto Martinez has insisted he has no doubts that Vincent Kompany will be a huge success after becoming Anderlecht's full-time manager.Kompany left Manchester City at the end of the 2018/19 season following a trophy-laden 11-year spell where he led the Blues from the early days of the Abu Dhabi takeover to domestic dominance and regulars in the Champions League.He returned to former club Anderlecht as player-manager, but his first season of coaching got off to a tricky

straight to your inboxLille's president has confirmed Gabriel Magalhaes will leave the club this summer amid links with Manchester United. However, the MEN never understood the central defender to be a United target and he is believed to be on the verge of joining Napoli.Napoli are believed to have agreed personal terms with the player ahead of a £22million move "The way we work is very simple.

straight to your inbox Lyon manager Rudi Garcia joked that star midfielder Houssem Aouar will only be up for sale if they win the Champions League, as the player himself distanced himself from links with Manchester City.Aouar, 21, is no stranger to City, after impressing against the Blues in last season's group stage. Lyon took four points from City, prompting Pep Guardiola to say: "Houssem Aouar is a very good player.

straight to your inbox Emre Can and Erling Braut Haaland are the latest players to express their delight over Borussia Dortmund's claims that Jadon Sancho will be staying at the club. Sancho is Manchester United's top transfer target this summer but they were dealt a huge blow on Monday when sporting director Michael Zorc announced that the 20-year-old would be staying put after the August 10 deadline imposed by the club passed without a transfer being completed.

Manchester United and neighbours Manchester City being just two of them.While United are prioritising moves for a winger and playmaker this summer, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would also like to add another centre-midfielder and may be searching for alternatives after missing out on top target Jude Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund.City are also more keen to strengthen elsewhere in the squad, especially in defence, but may be on the lookout for reinforcements in the middle of the park with captain David

straight to your inbox Joleon Lescott has insisted Kevin De Bruyne is yet to eclipse Yaya Toure's best season at Manchester City despite equalling the Premier League record for most assists in a season. The Belgian playmaker has been in extraordinary form this term, finishing the campaign level with Thierry Henry's record of 20 Premier League assists.