The summer transfer window has now closed, with Manchester City having again focused on bolstering their defence first and foremost.
Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias arrived for a combined sum of more than £100m, while Ferran Torres was another notable signing. Attention will now switch to the January window as Pep Guardiola's side attempt to win back the Premier League title.
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:
Manchester City to offer Lionel Messi pre-contract agreement in January?
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Manchester City will reportedly open talks with Lionel Messi in January as the Barcelona superstar continues to stall over extending his stay at Camp Nou.
The Citizens were strongly linked with the Argentina international in the summer after he informed Barca, the club he has represented since the age of 13, of his desire to move on.
Messi remained in Catalonia after Barcelona contested the validity of a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave for free at the end of the elongated 2019-20 campaign.
However, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner will be out of contract in eight months' time as things stand, having yet to agree fresh terms with the La Liga giants.
According to The Telegraph, City have been monitoring the situation and are ready to make their first move in January when Messi is freely allowed to talk to other clubs.
The report indicates that Pep Guardiola's men will attempt to get the Argentina international to pen a pre-contract agreement ahead of making a high-profile switch next summer.
Barcelona 'highly unlikely to sign Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia in January'
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Barcelona will reportedly delay making a move for Lyon forward Memphis Depay and Manchester City defender Eric Garcia until the end of the season.
The Catalan giants tried and failed to bring in both players during an underwhelming summer window that was dominated by talk of Lionel Messi's future.
Ronald Koeman recently reiterated his desire to sign both players, with Barca tipped to bring in the duo in January.
Spanish outlet Marca claims that is highly unlikely to be the case, though, with focus now solely on the club's upcoming elections following Josep Maria Bartomeu's resignation last week.
The report indicates that the new president, who is unlikely to be formally in office at the time of the window opening, would need to ratify any transfers.
Depay and Garcia are due to become free agents next July, meaning that they are allowed to discuss a transfer with foreign clubs from the turn of the year.
More transfer news from Manchester City:
Manchester City 'to make Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne top earners in Premier League'
Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne have been offered £400,000-a-week contracts to stay on at Manchester City, according to a report. Read more.
Ajax defender Edson Alvarez eyes future move to Manchester City
Ajax defender Edson Alvarez suggests that he would like to sign for Manchester City in the future. Read more.
