Football rumours from the media

The *Lionel Messi* speculation continues at fever pitch, with Manchester City said to be ready to part with as many as four players to secure the 33-year-old. The Manchester Evening News says if City cannot secure Messi on a free transfer – a contractual matter still in dispute at Barcelona – they would offer Spanish defender Eric Garcia, 19, and Angelino, 23, to lower a transfer fee tipped to be around £200million. Spanish website Sport says City are prepared to offer £89.5m, plus Garcia, midfielder Bernardo Silva, 26, and forward Gabriel Jesus, 23. The Times says Messi phoned City manager Pep Guardiola last week to tell him he wants to leave Barcelona.