Friday's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup: Lautaro Martinez, Neto, Pau Torres

The buildup to 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 campaign so far.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Etihad.

Friday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:

Barcelona 'place 12 players on transfer list'

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Barcelona have reportedly placed 12 first-team players on the transfer list this summer as they look to raise funds for potential new signings.

The Spanish giants continue to be linked with a big-money move for Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez but must seemingly first raise funds through player sales before a deal can be completed.

According to Marca, number two goalkeeper Neto is on the transfer list alongside defenders Nelson Semedo, Samuel Umtiti, Junior Firpo and Jean-Clair Todibo.

The report claims that midfielders Arturo Vidal, Carles Alena, Rafinha and Ivan Rakitic are also surplus to requirements, in addition to attackers Ousmane Dembele, Martin Braithwaite and Philippe Coutinho.

Todibo, Alena, Rafinha and Coutinho have all spent at least part of the 2019-20 campaign away from the club on loan, and the latter will be with Bayern Munich until their Champions League challenge has finished.

Semedo is currently being linked with a high-profile move to Manchester City, while Dembele could also move for big money this summer despite his injury problems.

Barca, who conceded the 2019-20 La Liga title to Real Madrid, will face Napoli on August 8 in the second leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League, with the tie level at 1-1 from the first leg in Italy.

Manchester City 'want Riyad Mahrez to help them sign Ismael Bennacer'

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Manchester City are reportedly planning to enlist the help of Riyad Mahrez to persuade AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer to join the club this summer.

The 22-year-old has been in impressive form for his Italian club during the 2019-20 campaign, and a number of sides, including Manchester United, have been linked with a potential move.

City are also thought to be admirers of the midfielder, though, and according to Le 10 Sport, the Citizens could use Mahrez in an attempt to win the race for his signature.

Mahrez plays alongside Bennacer for Algeria, and it is thought that the former's presence at the Etihad Stadium could be key when it comes to securing a deal.

A recent report claimed that the former Arsenal youngster could be available for a figure in the region of €50m (£45m) during this summer's transfer window.

Bennacer has a contract at San Siro until the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

More transfer news from Manchester City:

Manchester United 'in the running for Alex Telles'
Manchester United could attempt to sign Porto defender Alex Telles this summer, according to a report. Read more.

Chelsea to rival Manchester City for Jose Gimenez?
Chelsea could rival Manchester City for the signature of Atletico Madrid centre-back Jose Gimenez this summer, according to a report. Read more.

Barcelona 'keen on summer deal for Pau Torres'

Valencia planning Kepa Arrizabalaga, David Silva moves?
A report claims that Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and Manchester City legend David Silva are wanted by La Liga club Valencia. Read more.