The transfer window may not open again until January 1 2018 but that hasn’t put an end to plenty of speculation throughout Europe.
Here, we take a look at the big stories dominating the headlines on Monday.
Will any of the following deals happen?
Let us know your thoughts.
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Manchester City are ready to step in and launch a €400 million bid for Lionel Messi in January if he opts against signing a new contract at Barcelona, reports the AS.
Barcelona have maintained that Messi will stay at the club, but following Neymar’s world record move to PSG, the possibility of a club paying his €300 million buyout clause seems realistic.
The Argentine has agreed to sign a new four year deal at the Camp Nou, but has still not put pen to paper.
With no contract signed, the 29-year-old has been linked strongly with a move to the Etihad Stadium in 2018, due to his close relationship with Pep Guardiola and director of football Txiki Begiristain.
Messi may have stalled a new Barcelona contract but he is expected to stay at the Camp Nou beyond next summer.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is understandably in no rush to sort out a new deal and will bide his time until a much improved offer comes along, despite strong links to Manchester.
Lionel Messi
Chelsea are ready to renew their interest in Juventus defender Alex Sandro, according to CalcioMercato.
The Blues missed out on the Brazilian during the summer but he is yet to sign fresh terms in Turin.
The 26-year-old would become the club’s record signing at £60 million if he is to put pen to paper on a deal at Stamford Bridge.
Sandro, who has three years left on his current deal at Juventus, is considered a vital cog in Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
He was impressive during Juve’s treble winning campaign last term, scoring three goals and providing five assists in 43 appearances.
Given that Antonio Conte used to work with the player and more importantly, as wing-back, there’s every chance that he’d want to bring him to England.
However, Marcos Alonso has been a revelation on the left side and the quoted price is a bit steep for someone who is guaranteed a starting berth.
It would make sense for Conte to draft in a defender for a cheaper cost, but with the ludicrous price of some players in the summer transfer window so far, anything seems possible.
Alex Sandro
