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.
Wednesday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:
Barcelona 'to offer Lionel Messi new two-year deal'
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Barcelona may reportedly offer Lionel Messi the opportunity to pen a new two-year contract.
Last week, the 33-year-old informed club officials that he wished to end his long-term association with the Catalan giants, feeling that he could depart on a free transfer.
This claim has been refuted by Barcelona, however, subsequently resulting in the relevant parties being at loggerheads over the past seven days.
Nevertheless, in a bid to resolve the situation, ESPN may be prepared to hand the 33-year-old a deal until 2022.
As it stands, that appears unlikely, with Messi said to be aiming for a reunion with former boss Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Talks are allegedly due to take place between the player's father Jorge Messi and club president Josep Maria Bartomeu on Wednesday.
Manchester City chief 'in Barcelona for Lionel Messi talks'
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Manchester City's director of football Txiki Begiristain has reportedly travelled to Barcelona to hold discussions regarding Lionel Messi.
After the 33-year-old expressed a desire to leave the Catalan giants, City have emerged as the clear favourites to sign the Argentina international.
Before any deal can materialise, Messi and Barcelona officials must find a resolution to the ongoing debate over whether a transfer fee should be involved.
However, Cadena Ser claims that City are ready to strike should a compromise be found over the coming weeks.
Ahead of the new season, the report suggests that Begiristain is already in the Spanish city to hold early talks with the relevant parties.
City are said to be willing to offer Messi a contract which would include a transfer to MLS outfit New York City FC in either 2022 or 2023.
More transfer news from Manchester City:
Report: Manchester City agree personal terms with Kalidou Koulibaly
A report claims that Manchester City have agreed personal terms with Kalidou Koulibaly, but they must now match Napoli's valuation for the centre-back. Read more.
Barcelona board 'at odds over Lionel Messi future'
The Barcelona board are reportedly split over the future of Lionel Messi, who wishes to leave Camp Nou this summer. Read more.
Eric Garcia hoping to stay at Manchester City amid Barcelona links
Manchester City defender Eric Garcia insists that he wants to stay at the club next season, despite rejecting a new contract amid talk of a return to Barcelona. Read more.
Lionel Messi to be hit with £1m fine after missing Barcelona training?
Barcelona are reportedly prepared to hand a £1m fine to Lionel Messi after he missed the resumption of first-team training. Read more.
Barcelona presidential candidate admits Lionel Messi to Manchester City is "likely"
Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona to reunite with Pep Guardiola is a "logical" choice, according to Barca presidential candidate Toni Freixa. Read more.
Lionel Messi 'may need to miss a season in order to leave Barcelona for free'
Barcelona are reportedly confident that they will not lose Lionel Messi on a free transfer this summer, despite the forward's determination to push through an exit. Read more.
Lionel Messi's incredible record under Pep Guardiola amid Manchester City links
Amid speculation linking Lionel Messi with a move to Manchester City, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at the forward's incredible record under Pep Guardiola. Read more.
Inter Milan rule out summer move for Barcelona captain Lionel Messi
Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio rules out the possibility of the club signing wantaway Barcelona captain Lionel Messi this summer. Read more.
