Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest transfer news in La Liga on Monday, January 11.
Monday morning's La Liga transfer talk news roundup:
Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman denies Riqui Puig rift
© Reuters
Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has affirmed that he has no problems with Riqui Puig amid reports of a behind-the-scenes fallout.
Puig was expected to leave the Catalan giants in the summer and was allegedly branded a "leak" by Koeman when discussions over a possible exit were made public.
The Arsenal-linked youngster continues to struggle for game time at Camp Nou, but Koeman has insisted that there is no animosity between the two amid speculation surrounding Puig's future.
Speaking to reporters after Barcelona's victory over Granada, the Blaugrana boss said: "I have nothing against Riqui Puig.
"We have very young players like Konrad (de la Fuente), Matheus (Fernandes) and Junior (Firpo) who don't have many minutes, but you always think I'm talking about Riqui. His future? He has to decide."
The 21-year-old has only made six appearances as a substitute this term, and he was brought on for the final 17 minutes of Saturday's 4-0 win, in which Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann both scored twice.
Barcelona recently activated a clause in Puig's contract to keep him on until 2023.
Paris Saint-Germain 'may not be able to afford Lionel Messi'
© Reuters
Paris Saint-Germain may not be able to sign wantaway Barcelona forward Lionel Messi due to the Argentine's wage demands, according to journalist Julien Laurens.
Messi has entered the final six months of his deal with Ronald Koeman's side and is free to begin talks with other clubs after failing to force an exit last summer.
PSG and Manchester City are thought to be the two clubs financially capable of pulling off a deal for the six-time Ballon d'Or winner, but Laurens has since expressed concern over the former's ability to strike a deal due to their mammoth wage bill.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Laurens said: "With Financial Fair Play, the pandemic and how much PSG have been affected like all other big clubs, I don't know how, just at the payroll level, you could have Neymar, let's say on 30 million euros a year, Messi on 60 million euros a year and Mbappe potentially with a new contract on the same amount as Neymar.
"Only those three would be around 150 million euros, just their salaries, every year. Financially, it's not possible. But they seem to say that they are going to try. But I don't think it's realistic."
Messi - who is also being linked with a move to the MLS - has started to hit top form after a slow start to the campaign and bagged a brace in Saturday's 4-0 win over Granada.
More transfer news from La Liga:
Manchester United transfer targets as Boubakary Soumare emerges as possible signing
Sports Mole rounds up and assesses all of Manchester United's latest transfer targets and rumours, including the club's interest in Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare. Read more.
Mauricio Pochettino 'makes Paul Pogba top Paris Saint-Germain transfer target'
New Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino wants to bring Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba to the club, according to a report. Read more.
Lucas Torreira heading for Fiorentina loan move?
Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira could spend the second half of the season on loan at Fiorentina, according to a report. Read more.
Real Betis to rival Genoa for Arsenal's Sokratis?
Real Betis reportedly join Genoa in the race to sign out-of-favour Arsenal centre-back Sokratis, who is expected to leave the club this month. Read more.
Luka Jovic 'desperate to leave Real Madrid'
Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic reportedly wants to leave the club this month, and Zinedine Zidane is happy to sanction an exit after losing trust in the 23-year-old. Read more.
West Ham United 'considering Mariano Diaz loan move'
West Ham United could sign Real Madrid forward Mariano Diaz on loan for the rest of the season, according to a report. Read more.
Eduardo Camavinga flattered by Real Madrid interest
Rennes youngster Eduardo Camavinga intends to wait until the end of the season before weighing up a move to Real Madrid or any other interested big-name clubs. Read more.
Lyon chief confirms Moussa Dembele set to join Atletico Madrid
Lyon sporting director Juninho confirms that Moussa Dembele is in talks with Atletico Madrid over a proposed loan move this month. Read more.
