Ronald Koeman has moved to calm doubts about the future of club captain Lionel Messi and has assured that the player is “enjoying every day” at the club.

Barcelona news in recent months has been defined by the Messi news this year because the club captain had been seeking an exit, although the club stood firm on his future last summer.

This week, Messi scored his 644th goal for Barcelona, breaking the record set by Pele with Santos, to continue his remarkable record throughout his career.

In quotes carried by Marca, via Football Espana, Koeman has spoken of the club’s captain: “Messi is enjoying every day and is heavily involved at Barcelona.

“In principle, just like any player, if he is fit to play and is well, then he plays. And of course, Leo is older than he was before, but he is still a player who likes to be there a lot and above all to win games.

“As a coach I talk to my players, and I also talk to Leo about this and about other things because he is captain of the team too, there are rules, and we talk about many things, not just the game. That is, this is the daily work of a coach who has communication with his players.”

Messi, who turns 34 next summer, has remained an emblematic star for the Catalan club for whom he has netted 644 goals in a total of 749 first-team appearances – including 10 in 18 appearances this season.

There are reports that Chelsea are making moves to beat Manchester United to Ecuadorian younster Moises Caicedo.

The west London club are have reportedly keen in the hunt to prise wonderkid away from Independiente del Valle.

The Red Devils were believed to be in pole position to secure the 19-year-old midfielder’s services following his dazzling displays this season.

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have entered the race to bring Caicedo to England.

And they have also claimed that while United are interested in the player, talks aren’t yet at an advanced stage.

It has been stated that the Blues have sent scouts to watch the youngster in action.

Chelsea are also said to have held discussions with Independiente del Valle about a possible £4.5million deal.

Photo Credit: Twitter

There are reports that former Chelsea may not feature against the west London club in the Champions League match as he has decided not to renew his Atletico Madrid contract.

Fabrizio Romano claims the ex-Chelsea star is now set for a free transfer either in January or next summer.

Costa would prefer to leave as soon as possible but is willing to wait if there are a lack of offers.

The report also suggests that Atletico have already found Costa’s replacement in the form of Napoli outcast Arkadiusz Milik, who has previously been linked with Tottenham and Everton.

Should Atletico land Milik and get a suitable offer for Costa next month, it would end any hopes of a reunion between the Spaniard and his former club Chelsea, who meet Diego Simeone’s side in the knockout stages of the Champions League in February.

Costa was quick to react to Atletico drawing the Blues in the Champions League earlier this month, as he replied to Marcos Alonso’s Instagram post with a number of eye emojis in anticipation for the game.

However, a move away from the Wanda Metropolitano would scupper plans to face his old side in their two-legged round of 16 clash.

PSG and Spurs have both, according to the Daily Mail, registered interest in signing Costa earlier this summer.

Reports in France claim that PSG are set to move for Antonio Rudiger next month.

Le Parisien claims the German, who has made just one Premier League appearance this term, is being targeted by Thomas Tuchel.

PSG are light on numbers at the back, and experienced Rudiger is seen as the man to fill the void left by Thiago Silva.

The Brazilian has ironically ousted Rudiger from the current Chelsea side.

West Brom boss Sam Allardyce says Arsenal are fighting a relegation battle too.

He said: “If they are in the bottom eight at the moment, yes. Absolutely.

“Getting beaten again [Arsenal’s 4-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Man City] – even though it is not in the league – as it does with our players, drains the confidence of Arsenal’s players. Of course it will.

“They will be wondering what’s hit them, they will be wondering why they are down there. They will be wondering what it’s going to take to get out of that position.

“I know what it takes, I hope I can convince the players to respond to what I say on what it takes to get out of it.

“I hope that we can push at Arsenal when they play us because they have a lack of confidence, and try and beat them or anybody in the bottom eight.”

Lilian Thuram reveals he was shocked to see his son Marcus spitting in his opponent’s face: ‘I asked myself if he was my son.’

Thuram, 23, was sent off during Borussia Monchengladbach-Hoffenheim last weekend after spitting in Stefan Posch ‘s face.

The Barcelona legend told RCI Guadeloupe, via Football Italia, that: “I was watching the game and I was left shocked.”

“Later on, I had his explanation. He was angry, and the saliva came off his mouth without him wanting it. Marcus wants people to know it wasn’t intentional, he knows this gesture shouldn’t exist on a football pitch.”

The Borussia Monchengladbach’s winger has received a fine and a five-match ban.

Photo Credit: Twitter

Oliver Kahn confirms David Alaba is seeking Bayern Munich exit, with Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus linked with the 28-year-old.

Alaba will see his contract expire this next June and the legendary German goalkeeper, who is now part of Bayern Munich’s Board of Directors, has confirmed the full-back is not likely to sign a contract extension with the club.

The Merengues appear to be ahead of Chelsea, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Juventus.

“I don’t know what’s going on with his contract extension,” Kahn told Bild.

“We offered a very favourable contract extension, he only had to sign it. However, David and his agent Pini Zahavi did not want to follow this direction,” he added.

“Apparently, they are looking for a new club and we have to accept it.”

William Gallas reckons Hakim Ziyech could end up being Chelsea’s answer to Man City’s Riyad Mahrez.

The former France ace heaped praise on Frank Lampard’s Dutch star describing him as the best signing of the Blues’ summer transfer window.

Gallas told Ladbrokes: “I think he’s a great addition to the Chelsea squad and would probably say he was their signing of the summer.

“He’s a player who can make the difference. When he’s on the pitch you always fancy Chelsea to create chances and score goals.

“He’s a very clever player. He’s a little bit like Riyad Mahrez, and when you play against a team who are difficult to break down, someone like Ziyech is a great asset to have to make the difference.”