Lionel Messi's dad has spoken with manchester city over a sensational move to take his son from Barcelona to the Etihad Stadium. Meanwhile, Manchester City is preparing a $64 million bid to lure Alexis Sanchez out of Arsenal after weeks of courting the Gunners' star player. Elsewhere, Swansea has announced the signing of Sam Clucas from Hull for an undisclosed fee. Here are full details of these reports.
Messi's dad meets City over a possible deal for his son
According to the Sun, Lionel Messi's dad, Jorge Messi met with Txiki Begiristain, who is Manchester City director of soccer, over a possible move to sign his son.
It is suggested the pair discussed Messi's potential move to England. Although, Barcelona are “confident” their prized asset will sign a new contract, which will mean any club wishing to lure him out of Nou Camp will have to pay the $337 million buyout clause. However, fears are now “rising” as the Argentine Superstar enters the final-year of his current contract at Barca. Manchester City will have to wait until January 2018 as Lionel Messi will be a free agent at that time.
Manchester City keen on luring Alexis Sanchez
Manchester City is willing to make an offer of $64 million to sign Arsenal talisman Alexis Sanchez before the transfer window closes, according to Manchester Evening News. City manager Pep Guardiola remains confident a deal can be struck in the coming days.
However, Arsenal has stood firm saying they would rather allow the Chilean star leave for free next summer rather than sell him to an EPL arch rival. Alexis Sanchez has missed the Gunners' Premier League opener with an abdominal strain but has still been named in Chile squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Paraguay.
Sanchez is expected to make his Arsenal return this weekend as they take on Liverpool. Wenger said: “We will see how he goes through the week. Sanchez has not played for a long time now but hopefully he may play this Sunday.”
Sam Clucas joins Swansea
Swansea has confirmed the signing of Sam Clucas on a four-year deal, according to SkySports.
It is understood the deal is worth around $19m with another potential $1.9 million add-ons. Sam Clucas, 26, was one of Hull City's best performers last term when the club was relegated from the EPL. Clucas scored nine goals in his ninety-six outings for Hull City since joining them. The 26-year-old now becomes Swansea's first signing since the club received a record transfer fee from Everton for Gylfi Sigurdsson.
