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Thursday's paper talk: Lionel Messi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Georginio Wijnaldum

Thursday's paper talk: Messi, Donnarumma, Wijnaldum
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Could Lionel Messi become a Manchester man when his time at Camp Nou ends?

What the papers say

The Sun reports Manchester City want to bring Argentina forward Lionel Messi to the north west in the summer. The 31-year-old has yet to begin talks with Barcelona about a new contract, with his current deal expiring at the end of the current campaign. The paper says that despite reports in Spain saying City are no longer interested in Messi, the club continue to monitor him along with Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland.

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is the subject of intense attention from clubs including Juventus, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea. Italian outlets claim the 22-year-old has recently rejected two contract extension offers from AC Milan and will become a free agent in the summer. The Mail notes that while Chelsea have recruited Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy, Donnarumma's acquisition would create stability for the club at the back for the next decade.

England v Poland – FIFA World Cup 2022 – European Qualifying – Group I – Wembley Stadium
England's Harry Kane wants to play in the Champions League (Catherine Ivill/PA)

Tottenham are reportedly not interested in parting ways with Harry Kane amid keen interest from both Manchester clubs. The 27-year-old is contracted in north London until 2024 but is understood to be chasing Champions League appearances which are at least two years away for Spurs. The Manchester Evening News says only 'crazy money' could convince Tottenham to let the England striker leave and they do not believe such an offer will be forthcoming.

Spurs have had their offer for teen talent Miguel Gutierrez knocked back, according to the Star which cites DefensaCentral. Real Madrid do not want to lose the 19-year-old defender as they believe he is close to first-team action at Bernabeu.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Donny Van De Beek: Manchester United will offer the 23-year-old Dutch midfielder to Juventus in a swap deal for France international Adrien Rabiot, the Express reports while referring to Italy's Tuttosport.

Georginio Wijnaldum File Photo
Liverpool's Georginio Wijnaldum is set to leave the club at the season's end (Clive Brunskill/PA)

Georginio Wijnaldum: Marca says Barcelona are considered favourites to sign the 30-year-old defender when his contact at Anfield runs out in the summer. Chelsea, Juventus and Paris St Germain are also keen on bringing across the Liverpool player.

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Erling Braut Haaland in action for Borussia Dortmund on March 20, 2021
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


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