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.
Thursday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:
Sergio Aguero 'drops Lionel Messi transfer hint on social media'
© Reuters
Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero has seemingly hinted that he would welcome the arrival of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.
On Tuesday evening, it was revealed that the legendary Argentine had formally handed in a transfer request in a bid to force through an exit this summer.
Although Barcelona remain keen to keep hold of the 33-year-old, City are one of a number of clubs who are interested in the superstar.
Aguero, idolised at the Etihad Stadium like Messi is at Camp Nou, has responded to the speculation by removing the number 10 from his Instagram, something which could be perceived to be a gesture towards his compatriot.
Messi is synonymous with that particular shirt number, which he wears ahead of Aguero when the pair represent their national team.
Father Jorge Messi has allegedly travelled to England to hold discussions with the Premier League giants.
Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain 'willing to pay transfer fee for Lionel Messi'
© Reuters
Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly both in a position to make a formal bid for wantaway Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.
Messi stunned the footballing world on Tuesday by allegedly formally asking to leave the club that he has represented since the age of 13.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner is seeking a fresh challenge elsewhere and has been strongly touted as a target for Manchester City and Inter Milan.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, United and PSG are also in the running to sign the Argentina international, who has scored a club-record 634 goals in 731 appearances.
Messi is believed to have expressed his desire to leave for free, as per the terms of his contract, but Barca have argued that the clause expired in June.
However, the report indicates that United and PSG are prepared to spend big to land the 33-year-old, potentially for a compensation fee in the region of £100m.
A return to boyhood club Newell's Old Boys is another outside possibility for Messi.
More transfer news from Manchester City:
Barcelona reportedly inform Lionel Messi that they have placed a £200m price tag on his services ahead of a potential exit from Camp Nou. Read more.
The father of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is reportedly in England to discuss a potential transfer to Manchester City. Read more.
Ronald Koeman 'told Lionel Messi his privileges are over at Barcelona'
Newly-appointed Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman allegedly told Lionel Messi that his "privileges" were over ahead of the Argentine requesting an exit from Camp Nou. Read more.
Manchester City 'prepare three-year Lionel Messi deal with MLS clause'
Manchester City are reportedly preparing a three-year contract for Lionel Messi which would include the possibility of joining New York City FC at the end of it. Read more.
Lionel Messi makes contact with Pep Guardiola over Manchester City move?
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is interested in a reunion with former boss Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, according to a report. Read more.
Barcelona "working internally" to keep Lionel Messi at club
The 33-year-old rocked Barca with his request to leave on Tuesday evening. Read more.
Lionel Messi 'risks FIFA ban over Barcelona dispute'
A leading sports lawyer claims that Lionel Messi risks a FIFA ban if he does not resolve a contract dispute with Barcelona. Read more.
Manchester City 'want to sign Gremio's Diego Rosa'
The Gremio midfielder does not turn 18 until October. Read more.
Manchester City to offer Eric Garcia in bid for Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly?
Manchester City are reportedly prepared to include Eric Garcia in any proposal for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly. Read more.
Paris Saint-Germain 'cannot afford to sign Lionel Messi from Barcelona'
Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly priced out of deal for Barcelona captain Lionel Messi due to his salary, which is more than both Neymar and Kylian Mbappe combined. Read more.
