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Tuesday's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup: Paulo Dybala, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Lionel Messi

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer talk for Manchester City on Tuesday, December 8.

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.

Tuesday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:


Joan Laporta hints at new Barcelona deal for Lionel Messi

Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring against Osasuna in La Liga on November 29, 2020© Reuters

Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta has hinted that a new deal for Lionel Messi could be on the cards.

Speculation over the six-time Ballon d'Or winner's future continues to gather pace as he runs down the final few months on his current Blaugrana contract, with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain still linked with a sensational swoop.

Messi opted to see out the last year of his deal after trying but failing to force a move away in the summer, and Laporta has now claimed that Barcelona should table a offer which reflects Messi's importance to the club and convince the Argentine that the Blaugrana can soon conquer Europe again.

Speaking to Sport, Laporta said: "You could argue many reasons for him staying. I prefer to think about what Leo generates, which is a lot – certainly more than his salary may cost.

"I'm not just talking about the sporting level, which is already well known. I consider him the best footballer in history. Leo is so much more than just that.

"In my opinion all players, when they win many titles and generate so much for the club, deserve to be valued accordingly.

"At least that's how I'll try to make it happen. Leo is, I repeat, the best player in the world and possibly in the history of football. What you have to keep in mind is that he loves Barca and has shown that repeatedly.

"He is a club man and is comfortable at Barcelona and in the city. That is another factor that leads us to think the best thing for us is for the Messi-Barcelona relationship to continue.

"You have to be imaginative. Knowing Messi is not guided by money, and I assure you that is the case, we must make a proposal that can convince him Barca has a team capable of winning the Champions League.

"That is essential. It is what will be more valuable to Leo when deciding his future at the end of the season. I am convinced of that.

"Leo and I have a relationship of mutual affection. He knows that whenever I have made him a proposal, it has been fulfilled. Leo knows it and has told me personally he valued that very much. He should finish his career at Barca."

Messi - now 33 - has amassed seven goals and four assists in all comps for Barca this season and is reportedly desperate to line up against Cristiano Ronaldo when Ronald Koeman's man face Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday.



Juventus forward Paulo Dybala 'offered to big six'

Juventus forward Paulo Dybala celebrates scoring on November 4, 2020© Reuters

Juventus forward Paulo Dybala is reportedly ready to join a Premier League club during the summer transfer window.

After Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur failed to sign the Argentina international in 2019, the 27-year-old went on to become a key player under Maurizio Sarri.

However, it has been a different story since Andrea Pirlo's arrival, with Dybala contributing just one goal from 10 appearances in all competitions.

According to 90 min, Dybala's representatives have informed the top six clubs in England that he is prepared to consider a move to the Premier League.

Just 19 months remain on the attacker's contract, giving United, Spurs, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal an opportunity to sign him for a cut-price fee.

The financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic may result in Dybala needing to take a pay cut, a factor in why a move to England has not materialised in the past.


More transfer news from Manchester City:

Taylor Harwood-Bellis signs new long-term deal at Manchester City
The 18-year-old academy product was handed his first-team debut in September 2019 and has made six senior appearances in total. Read more.

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Taylor Harwood-Bellis in action for Manchester City in January 2020
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5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
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12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
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