Transfer news LIVE: Lionel Messi to leave Barcelona, Man United eye Jadon Sancho alternative, Liverpool wait on Thiago

The transfer window is really hotting up as we approach the new season and with little time remaining to bring in recruitments to train in time to play the season openers, negotiations should develop significantly this week. Lionel Messi remains undecided over his future, but the economics involved mean clubs are yet to make official approaches, though now Manchester City appear ready to at least investigate a seismic move for the Barcelona superstar.

Elsewhere Manchester United may have discovered their alternative to Jadon Sancho, who looks primed to remain in Dortmund this term, with Ansu Fati an option and his £155m release clause not putting off the Red Devils.

Chelsea and Arsenal remain busy too, with the former expecting to progress deals for Kai Havertz and Thiago Silva, plus interest in Ben Chilwell, while the latter should confirm Gabriel Magalhaes’ arrival and there is tentative interest in Thiago Alcantara, though the Bayern Munich midfielder appears closer to Liverpool ahead of his decision on his future.

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Leicester are targeting Ajax’s Nico Tagliafico as Chilwell’s replacement. While the Blues appear to have beaten off competition from the Gunners and Barcelona for Malang Sarr, who is available on a free transfer.

Another rumour at the Emirates is that Hector Bellerin could depart, with PSG keen to upgrade at right-back – while Mikel Arteta could sell elsewhere to raise funds with Ainsley Maitland-Niles an option for Wolves.