Manchester City send good news to Barcelona over move for Lionel Messi

Reports have emerged that Manchester City have no plans to sign out-of-contract Barcelona star Lionel Messi this summer.

According to Diario Sport, the Argentine is not on the transfer shortlist of the Premier League leaders.

And that will be good news to Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who has emphazised his determination to retain the services of the Argentine maestro.

It is claimed that City had an interest in signing Messi last summer, but that has now been discontinued as they are instead prioritising the arrival of a central striker.

Furthermore, the anticipation at the English club is that the Argentine superstar will renew his deal at the Camp Nou – and only a clear change on that front will alter their approach to the situation.

The 33-year-old is out of contract at the Catalan giants on 30 June and he has theoretically been free to speak to other clubs from January due to the expiration date.

Chelsea, Manchester United in bidding war for Sergio Aguero

Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly billed to slug it out in their bid to acquire the services of Manchester City’s legend Sergio Aguero.

The Argentine striker, 32, is leaving the Etihad in June when his contract expires and already has a host of clubs chasing his services.

The Sun report that LaLiga giants Barcelona and Serie A side Inter Milan are equally set to go all-out to try and land the veteran striker.

Now French outlet Foot Mercato claims Aguero could stay in England as both United and Chelsea have already made an offer for his services.

And they also claim PSG are keen to land him with countryman Mauricio Pochettino and Parc des Princes bosses desperate to add him to his attacking ranks.

The report states a total of five clubs have so far made an offer to Aguero as the icon decides on his next move following a decade of success at City.

The hotshot is the Cityzens’ all-time top goalscorer after smashing in 257 goals in 384 games.

But he could tarnish that relationship with City supporters should he switch across town to Old Trafford – an idea first mentioned by ex-United star Paul Ince.

He told Ladbrokes: “Sergio Aguero might be leaving Man City – why should United not make a move for him?

“You could see it now – if he wanted to stay in the Premier League and he is living in Manchester, then I do not think it would be a bad thing at all if they went and got Aguero.

“It can happen, who knows? You have got to ask the question if you are United because you never know.”

Thibaut Courtois’ company buys women’s top-flight football club in Spain

Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois’ company known as DUX Gaming has bought women’s top-flight side EDF Logrono.

The former Chelsea goalkeeper and Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias are major shareholders in the esports company, which bought men’s Segunda B side Internacional de Madrid last year and changed the name to DUX Internacional de Madrid to reflect the new ownership.

The company’s plans, according to Football Espana, are to ensure that the side wins promotion to the Segunda – Spain’s second tier – while they are also now investing in female outfit EDF Logroño, who will contest this season’s Copa del Reina final against Barcelona.

Courtois explained that: “DUX evolves from esports and is proving to be a model of success. After DUX Inter, the arrival in Logroño is a fantastic idea that also serves to support women’s football and its growth.”

Betis striker Iglesias said: “We are very happy about this great step. Each movement that the club makes further demonstrates the values ​​it has as its base and its identity. Being able to enter this project together with EDF Logroño is a unique step and which adds positively to the entire growth and professionalization movement that is taking place in women’s football.”