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.
Tuesday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:
Manchester City 'to offer Lionel Messi £450m deal'
© Reuters
Manchester City are reportedly willing to pay Barcelona forward Lionel Messi a contract worth £450m.
Having expressed a desire to leave Camp Nou later in the summer transfer window, it has been suggested that Messi favours a reunion with Pep Guardiola.
Much could depend on whether City are prepared to pay an astronomical fee for the 33-year-old, which could be anything above £200m.
However, according to Sport, club officials are happy to hand the superstar a deal valued in the region of £450m across five years.
The report claims that the Argentine would remain at the Etihad Stadium until 2023 before moving to New York City FC.
Messi would allegedly receive a bonus of £225m - half of the proposal contract - when signing for the MLS outfit.
Barcelona view Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus as Luis Suarez replacement?
© Reuters
Barcelona have reportedly identified Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus as their ideal replacement for Luis Suarez.
Despite contributing 21 goals last season, Suarez has been informed by newly-appointed boss Ronald Koeman that he can leave Camp Nou this summer.
That development has come at a time when Lionel Messi is pushing to leave the Catalan giants, potentially for Man City.
However, while it has previously been claimed that the Premier League outfit are not prepared to use Jesus in part-exchange, reports in Spain suggest that Barcelona have their eyes on the Brazil international.
Although not deemed as an alternative to Messi, officials at the La Liga outfit may insist on the 23-year-old when holding discussions regarding Messi with their City counterparts.
Jesus, who has often played second fiddle to Sergio Aguero, has three years remaining on his contract at City.
More transfer news from Manchester City:
Report: Kevin De Bruyne contract talks with Manchester City put on hold
Kevin De Bruyne's contract talks with Manchester City have reportedly hit a snag following the arrest of his agent. Read more.
Lionel Messi 'no longer considers himself a Barcelona player'
Wantaway Barcelona captain Lionel Messi will reportedly miss the team's return to training as he no longer considers himself a Barcelona player. Read more.
Barcelona candidate talks up potential Pep Guardiola return
Barcelona presidential candidate Toni Freixa expresses his belief that Pep Guardiola could return to the Camp Nou dugout one day. Read more.
