According to the Express, City are said to be monitoring Lionel Messi’s situation at Barcelona after a former club president gave his opinion on the running of the Spanish club.
Joe Short writes: “Former Barca chief Joan Laporta has hit out at his former club, claiming: “There are certain powers who want Messi to no longer be a Barca player.”
“Talking to Catalunya Radio, he also blasted Nou Camp officials for what he claimed was their failure to rally round Messi in the aftermath of his suspended prison sentence and £1.4million fine for tax evasion.
“The club has let the player down, the best player in history, the best player in the world,” Laporta said.
“City are thought to be realistic about their chances of landing Argentina sensation Messi but are open to a deal if a move becomes possible.”
IN OTHER NEWS: PAUL POGBA MOVE HELD UP BY AGENT FEES
Elsewhere, in a rumour that keeps rumbling on, The Sun have reported that Manchester United could be about to trump City’s rumoured offer for Palmeiras forward Gabriel Jesus.
Toby Gannon penned: “The Red Devils are currently leading the race after offering about £30m – a slight improvement of City’s £26.8m.
“Jesus, 19, is also on the radar of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, according to UOL Esporte.
“But it is understood the player has a verbal agreement with Sao Paulo-based club Palmeiras to join the club which offers the most cash.”
However, to counter that, the Manchester Evening News believe that Jesus’ rumoured move to City is almost complete.
James Robson writes: “Manchester City are set to beat Manchester United to the signing of Brazilian starlet Gabriel Jesus.
“The 19-year-old’s £20m move to the Etihad is now in advanced stages, with City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain expected to conclude the deal when he returns from the club’s pre-season tour of China.”
Finally, Goal.com have reported the words of Luciano Spalletti, who has insisted that rumoured City target Kostas Manolas is not for sale.
Joe Wright informed: “Roma head coach Luciano Spalletti insists that Kostas Manolas is happy at the club and will not be sold in the transfer window.
“The Greece international has been linked with a number of Premier League sides, with his agent claiming that Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea were all monitoring his situation in the Italian capital.
“However, Roma president James Pallotta said last week that there was no reason for the centre-back to leave as he was enjoying life at the Stadio Olimpico.
“And Spalletti has echoed those comments, saying Manolas will not be sold even though rumours in the media have created “problems”.”
That’s all for this morning! Keep your eye out on mancity.com and our @ManCity Twitter feed for all of the latest developments.
