Saturday's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup: Marcus Thuram, Lionel Messi, David Alaba

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.

Saturday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:

Barcelona, Manchester City 'join Liverpool in race for Marcus Thuram'

© Reuters

Barcelona and Manchester City are reportedly preparing to battle Liverpool for the signature of Borussia Monchengladbach attacker Marcus Thuram during next summer's transfer window.

The 23-year-old has been in impressive form for his German club during the 2020-21 campaign, scoring three times and contributing five assists in 10 appearances in all competitions.

A recent report claimed that Liverpool were interested in signing the attacker, who is the son of World Cup winner and France legend Lilian Thuram.

However, according to Bild, both Barca and Man City are also in the hunt for a player who has two goals and two assists in three Champions League outings this season.

Thuram, who has earned a call up to the France squad for the nation's upcoming matches against Finland, Portugal and Sweden, is contracted to Gladbach until June 2023.

The former Sochaux youngster has scored 17 times and registered 14 assists in 49 outings for his current club.

Real Madrid 'join the race for Marcus Thuram'

© Reuters

Real Madrid are reportedly in the hunt for Borussia Monchengladbach attacker Marcus Thuram.

The 23-year-old, who is the son of France legend Lilian Thuram, has been in impressive form for Gladbach during the 2020-21 campaign, scoring three times and contributing five assists in 10 appearances.

Barcelona, Manchester City and Liverpool have all been credited with an interest in a player who has been named in the France squad for their November internationals.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Madrid are also firmly in the race for the attacker, with Zinedine Zidane's side preparing to battle the likes of Barca for his signature.

Thuram - contracted to his German club until June 2023 - has scored 17 times and registered 14 assists in 49 appearances for Die Fohlen since arriving from Guingamp in July 2019.

The Frenchman, who scored twice against Madrid in the Champions League last month, largely operates as a left-sided attacker but has also played on the right and through the middle for his Bundesliga club this season.

More transfer news from Manchester City:

Former Manchester City striker warns club against signing Lionel Messi
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola "does not need" Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, according to the club's former player Emile Mpenza. Read more.

Juventus 'firmly in the race for David Alaba'
Juventus are in the mix to sign Bayern Munich defender David Alaba on a free transfer, according to a report. Read more.