Since then the club has overseen several changes, not least of all a new manager in Ronald Koeman. Thiago Alcantara's second-half performance against Chelsea showed what he will bring to Liverpool's midfield. Ex-Barcelona president Joan Gaspart says he’s seen Lionel Messi’s contract and thinks that there is nothing that the Barca captain can do to force a free transfer. Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Football fans around the world are waiting to welcome Messi with open arms and as things stand it’s a two-horse race between City and Inter for his services.”, Will Lionel Messi leave Barcelona this summer?Yes - 8/11 No - EVSLionel Messi Club After Transfer Window, Man City - 10/11, Inter - 5/1, PSG - 7/1, Man Utd - 9/1, Chelsea - 12/1, Juventus - 14/1. He is miles too good for that level. Arsenal have told Newcastle to stump up £25million for Ainsley Maitland-Niles – after rejecting Wolves' cheeky £15m offer. The 24-year-old will join Huddersfield on loan for the 2020/21 campaign. Man City are set to up their attempts to lure Lionel Messi to The Etihad by discussing his future with his family. But Arsenal will demand at least double that if they are tempted to cash in. Messi is prepared to push it to the limit, he is putting his reputation on the line and his advisers are discussing potential transfers this summer with Inter Milan also keen. The fans wanted to confront Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu who is under pressure to resign amid Messi’s request to leave. Transfer Centre: Jadon Sancho, Alexandre Lacazette, Gareth Bale LIVE! Messi has requested Barca terminate his contract this summer to enable him to move elsewhere with the likes of Man City, PSG, Inter Milan and Man Utd queuing up for his signature. Barcelona are already preparing for life without Lionel Messi, according to reports. But that figure could scare off the Magpies. And now, according to The Telegraph, “key individuals at the Catalan club believe City’s pursuit of Messi may well prove successful”. “I have seen the contract and it is very clear. He wrote on Twitter: “mufc monitoring Donny van de Beek situation. View our online Press Pack. But this will be his first major deal of what could be a busy month as he reshapes his Goodison Park squad. Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart does not believe Lionel Messi will be able to force through a move away from the club this summer due to an expired clause in his contract. I don’t really care who he plays for. “The club paid the players. “He could come to the Premier League and be a Player of the Year. He could quickly start shining in England. Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero appears to have dropped a hint that Messi could be on his way to Manchester City. Messi has slapped in a shock request asking Barcelona to … Jurgen Klopp's Reds seem to be in pole position to sign Thiago. Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti will make the Brazilian his second permanent signing of the summer. He remains under contract at the Nou Camp until 2021 – and the bosses would have expected him to take the PCR tests ahead of training tomorrow. The Red Devils are targeting striker Patson Daka, who netted twice in the Austrians' 2-2 draw with Liverpool last week. But Barca are planning ahead, and have reportedly identified Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez as the man to replace him. “The club is in charge here, not the player. According to local TV channel TV3 (via AS), Bartomeu has now said he is willing to resign immediately if it will convince Messi to stay. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Comments are subject to our community guidelines, which can be viewed, SPL TRANSFERS LIVE: Get all the latest Celtic, Rangers and Scottish Premier League news, updates and rumours, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). The Barcelona captain is also understood to believe that his whopping £625m release clause does not apply in this year of his contract, therefore making him a free agent. “He has a great and strong relationship with the club and I don’t think he’ll stop being in love with the team.”. That is according to the Telegraph, who claim Steve Bruce's side are also considering Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster. Messi has told Barcelona he wants to leave the club, while new Barca boss Ronald Koeman has told Suarez he is not part of his plans for next season.

However, Barcelona are insistent the clause for this season already expired in June, and thus is unable to be used until the end of the next campaign.