Sunday's La Liga transfer talk news roundup: Lionel Messi, Phil Foden, Declan Rice

Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest transfer news in La Liga on Sunday, December 27.

Sunday morning's La Liga transfer talk news roundup:

Mauricio Pochettino wants Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain?

© Reuters

Mauricio Pochettino is hoping to strike a deal for wantaway Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi as he prepares to take over at Paris Saint-Germain, according to a report.

Following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel, Pochettino - who has been out of management for over a year - is understood to be the frontrunner for the job in the French capital.

With Messi running down the final few months of his Barcelona deal, PSG have been heavily linked with a sensational swoop for the Argentine, but Messi's father has denied reports claiming that talks have already been held with the Ligue 1 champions.

Nevertheless, Le Parisien reports that Pochettino is hopeful of persuading his compatriot to make the move to PSG, although the French giants will first have to fend off interest from Manchester City.

The report claims that Pochettino is hopeful of using Messi's links at PSG to complete a deal, with the Argentine's former teammate Neymar keen to reunite with the six-time Ballon d'Or winner, and Messi's international teammates Angel Di Maria, Mauro Icardi and Leandro Paredes all ply their trade in Paris.

Messi, now 33, has remained a key figure for Barcelona this term despite his transfer request in the summer, with the attacker boasting 10 goals and five assists in all competitions.

The South American recently surpassed Pele's club record by scoring his 644th goal for La Blaugrana in their 3-0 win over Real Valladolid.

Lionel Messi hails "special" Pep Guardiola amid Manchester City speculation

© Reuters

Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi has hailed Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as "special" amid speculation regarding his next career move.

Man City are one of the few sides thought to possess the financial muscle to pull off a move for Messi, who is expected to leave Barcelona when his deal expires in the summer.

A reunion with Guardiola could supposedly tempt the six-time Ballon d'Or winner into making the switch to the Etihad, and Messi has added fuel to the fire by lavishing praise on his former manager.

Speaking to La Sexta, the 33-year-old said: "Pep has something special. He makes you see things in a wonderful way, how he prepares for games, how to defend, and how to attack.

"I was lucky to train under Guardiola and Luis Enrique, the two best. Having them made me grow a lot physically and mentally, and also the tactical wisdom they've taught me."

Paris Saint-Germain have been tipped to rival Man City for Messi's signature, with Mauricio Pochettino - reportedly close to becoming PSG's new manager - said to be hopeful of striking a deal for the talisman in order to reunite him with Neymar.

More transfer news from La Liga:

Real Madrid 'increasingly confident of signing Manchester City's Phil Foden'
Real Madrid are reportedly ready to swoop for Manchester City's Phil Foden if the highly-rated 20-year-old does not enjoy more first-team action in the coming months. Read more.

Chelsea to offload seven players to fund two signings?
Chelsea reportedly list seven players for transfer as they attempt to fund moves for Declan Rice and Erling Braut Haaland in 2021. Read more.

Juventus 'want Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba for £50m in January'
Juventus are reportedly keen to steal a march on Real Madrid in the race for Paul Pogba by moving for the Manchester United midfielder in January. Read more.

Real Madrid 'leading race for Bayern Munich's David Alaba'
Real Madrid are leading the race to sign Bayern Munich defender David Alaba with Manchester United not in the running, according to a report. Read more.

Erling Braut Haaland 'becomes Chelsea's top target'
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard reportedly asks club officials to prioritise a move for Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Braut Haaland in 2021. Read more.

Atletico Madrid target Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso?
Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in securing a loan deal for Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso during the January transfer window. Read more.