Sunday's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup: Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Neymar

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.

Sunday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:

Barcelona's Lionel Messi 'willing to take pay cut at next club'

© Reuters

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has reportedly accepted that he may have to take a pay cut at his next club if he is to leave Camp Nou this summer.

The 33-year-old signalled his intention to leave the Spanish giants earlier this week in the wake of a trophyless campaign which ended with an 8-2 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Messi believes that he has a contractual right to leave the club on a free transfer due to a clause in his deal which he claims should have been extended in line with the prolonged 2019-20 season.

However, Barcelona argue that the clause expired on June 10 and that they are therefore able to demand Messi's full €700m (£624.3m) release clause before considering selling the six-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Even if Messi is allowed to leave for free, only a handful of clubs in world football could afford his wages - thought to be a minimum of £90m per year and as much as £110m a year if certain clauses and bonuses are triggered.

However, Spanish journalist Guillem Balague claims that Messi is willing to accept a wage decrease if it means sealing a move away from Barcelona this summer.

Manchester City are currently the front-runners for the Argentina international's signature, while Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Manchester United, Chelsea and Inter Milan have also been touted as other options.

Angel Di Maria joins Neymar in wanting Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain?

© Reuters

Angel Di Maria has reportedly become the latest player to try to convince Lionel Messi to leave Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain.

Since news broke about the 33-year-old requesting a transfer away from Camp Nou, Manchester City have emerged as the clear favourites to eventually conclude a deal.

However, PSG remain active in the race, with former Barcelona teammate Neymar having called for the French giants to move for the Argentine.

According to Marca, Messi's compatriot Di Maria has also made contact in a bid to convince the attacker to make the switch to Parc des Princes.

The report adds that PSG sporting director Leonardo has attempted to instigate discussions with the player's representatives.

As it stands, Messi is still said to favour linking up with Man City, where he would be reunited with Pep Guardiola.

More transfer news from Manchester City:

Lionel Messi 'has wanted Barcelona exit since March'
Wantaway Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi reportedly first signalled a desire to leave the club in March, five months before handing in a formal transfer request. Read more.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola 'in Barcelona amid Lionel Messi speculation'
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is in in Barcelona amid speculation regarding a move for Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi. Read more.

Lionel Messi to boycott Barcelona's first day back?
Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi will reportedly boycott the club's first training session back as he attempts to force a move to Manchester City. Read more.