Thursday's papers: Lionel Messi, Jadon Sancho, Thiago Alcantara

What the papers say

The chances of Lionel Messi joining Manchester City have grown with news his father is in England to discuss the deal, according to the Sun. Messi’s admission that he wants to leave Barcelona has put Europe’s major clubs on alert and City – coached by Messi’s former manager Barca Pep Guardiola – are said to be front-runners. The Sun says Jorge Messi is in England to discuss his 33-year-old son joining City, although doubt remains over whether the striker can leave Barcelona for free. Paris St Germain and Manchester United have reportedly dropped out of the chase, leaving City short-priced favourites to sign him.

In other Messi developments, the Telegraph reports City could have to part with as much as £500million in a deal which would have him playing for them for three years before moving to their sister club New York City FC. Messi is said to have asked to leave for free under a clause in his contract, but Barcelona insist the clause has expired. Barca would hold out for a £200m transfer fee, it has been reported, with rest of City’s outgoings said to be taken up by Messi’s income of around £100m a year in wages and bonuses. Messi will still attend Barcelona training on Monday to avoid any legal problems with the club, Spanish website Sport reports.

While Manchester United could afford Messi, they are instead sticking with Jadon Sancho – 13 years the Argentinian’s junior – as their main transfer target, Sky Sports reports. United have been linked with the England winger for months. Borussia Dortmund’s insistence on a £108m transfer fee remains a sticking point, but speculation says that with United now the only club in the hunt, Dortmund might wait until late in the transfer window to get the deal done.