Manchester City touted to make Lionel Messi move next season

Manchester City have the financial strength to sign Lionel Messi next summer if the Barcelona forward still wishes to leave, says the Premier League club’s chief operating officer.

Messi had sought to leave Barcelona for free at the end of last season and he favoured a reunion with his former head coach Pep Guardiola in Manchester.

But the six-time Ballon d’Or winner got into a bitter contract dispute with the club he joined as a teenager from his native Argentina and, ultimately, had no choice but to stay in Barcelona.

City missed out but, according to chief operating officer Omar Berrada, the club will be ready to pounce should Messi allow his contract with Barcelona to expire next summer.

He told the Manchester Evening News: “He’s the best player in the world, he’s the best player of his generation. I think any club in the world would like to explore the possibility of him joining their team.

“He’s probably an exception to potential investments that we’d do… but our planning has been done with this current squad and it is being considered with the current opportunities that we have.

“For every single position we have to be prepared because there can be so many things that can happen but, at the same time, I think we have the financial strength and system ability to make that investment when required.”

Christian Pulisic tells Chelsea fans what to expect

Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic is confident that the new talent at the club will bring them trophies this season.

After a trophy-less previous season, the Blues spent a staggering £222million this summer to challenge their rivals.

Pulisic told CBS Sports: “We’ve got a great group of guys, we’re going to compete, and we’re hungry to win titles.

“Absolutely. Why not? That’s right where we want to be.

“I think that’s realistic, and we’re gonna compete hard to get those trophies.”

Manchester United Executive vice-chairman threatens Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Reports in England Ed Woodward is prepared to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer if the club’s poor run continues.

Manchester United have lost two of their opening three Premier League games this season.

According to The Sun, Executive vice-chairman Woodward will not hesitate to end Solskjaer’s reign if things do not improve, claim The Mirror.

The report goes on to add that former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is the firm favourite to replace him at Old Trafford.

Solskjaer has been in charge of United permanently since March 2018 after his encouraging spell as caretaker manager.

He guided the Red Devils to a top-four finish and they reached three semi-finals during the 2019-20 campaign.

But the 47-year-old’s future has been questioned following this season’s shaky start.

A 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on the opening day of the season was followed by a narrow 3-2 win over Brighton.

And he took full responsibility as they suffered a 6-1 defeat at the hands of Tottenham earlier this month.

Solskjaer, who is under contract with United until 2022, faces a make-or-break month.

Nigeria, England in tug-of-war over highly-rated Manchester United starlet

Habeeb Ogunneye is reportedly at the centre of tug-of-war between the FA and their counterparts in Nigeria.

FA officials are thought to have made the first approach to the highly-rated Manchester United starlet, according to All Nigeria Soccer.

And the Red Devils academy winger has received a call-up to the Three Lions Under-16 squad training camp.

It is thought the United starlet is likely to make his debut in England’s Under-16 side when they take on Scotland in a friendly later this month.

And Ogunneye has been widely tipped to break into United’s Under-18 side in future.

Hakim Ziyech withdraws from Morocco national team for Chelsea

Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech has withdrawn from the Moroccan national team due to an agreement between the club and national team set up.

The midfielder is yet to make his competitive debut for the Blues after picking up a knee injury in their pre-season friendly against Brighton.

Ziyech made an impressive 30 minute cameo in last night’s 3-1 victory against Senegal providing an assist for En-Nesry’s second goal of the evening.

Chelsea want Ziyech match fit to make his debut next weekend against Southampton, a bench appearance seems most likely.