The summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Manchester City eye possible reinforcements.
The 2018-19 champions did not bring in a single player during the January transfer window, despite suffering a defensive shortage for much of the 2019-20 campaign, but they have already started their business for the summer.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Etihad.
Friday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:
Manchester United, Liverpool interested in Diego Carlos?
© Reuters
Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly set to battle it out for the signature of Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos.
The Brazilian played a key role in the heart of Julen Lopetegui's defence last term, helping Sevilla achieve a top-four finish and a sixth Europa League triumph with 45 appearances across all competitions.
However, speculation has been rife regarding the centre-back's future following his impressive campaign with Sevilla, with several top European clubs linked with a swoop for Carlos in recent weeks.
According to Marca, Man United and Liverpool have taken a liking to the 27-year-old and are firmly in the race to sign Carlos this summer.
The report claims that Sevilla may sanction a sale as they look to balance the books in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, but Carlos possesses a €75m (£66.9m) release clause in his current deal, which runs until 2024.
Manchester City have also been credited with an interest in the South American, despite reports claiming that the Citizens are edging closer towards a deal for Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly.
Lionel Messi 'considering U-turn over Barcelona future'
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Lionel Messi is reportedly considering a dramatic U-turn over his decision to leave Barcelona and could now remain with the club during this summer's transfer window.
The Argentina international recently informed Barca that he wants to leave in the current window, and Manchester City are believed to be the favourites to sign him.
Messi's father and agent travelled to Spain on Wednesday to hold talks with the Catalan giants, but it is understood that the discussions did not bring a resolution to the situation.
According to TyC Sports, the South American is now considering seeing out the final year of his contract with the La Liga side and is '90% likely to stay'.
The report claims that the 33-year-old will take Thursday to consider his options, having been asked by senior figures at Camp Nou to reverse his decision to depart.
On Wednesday it was claimed that Messi had agreed a £623m deal with City Football Group, which would see him represent Man City for three years before moving to the MLS to turn out for New York City FC.
More transfer news from Manchester City:
Andrew Robertson wants Lionel Messi to stay at Barcelona
The Argentinian has been linked with a move to Manchester City. Read more.
Lionel Messi transfer fee 'could be as low as £88.8m'
Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi could reportedly be leaving Camp Nou in a compromise deal worth just €100m (£88.8m) during the summer transfer window. Read more.
Lionel Messi departure 'could be scuppered by transfer pact between top clubs'
Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain may avoid making a move for Barcelona captain Lionel Messi due to a transfer pact between the financial powerhouses. Read more.
Aurelio De Laurentiis: 'Kalidou Koulibaly can leave this summer'
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirms that Kalidou Koulibaly is likely to leave the club this summer. Read more.
