LIONEL MESSI has held a press conference at the Nou Camp to explain his Barcelona exit – and has confirmed talks with PSG.
The French giants are closing in on the signature of the Argentine ace in a blockbuster free transfer this summer.
But Tottenham have come in with a shock bid for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner while Man Utd are considering entering the race.
And Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed he will hold "socially distanced" talks with Harry Kane today.
Elsewhere, Romelu Lukaku is nearing a return to Chelsea with the Blues closing in on a £100m-plus agreement with Inter Milan.
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Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
- Thomas Blow
UM-BELIEVABLE
Barcelona star Samuel Umtiti skipped his side's Joan Gamper trophy celebrations after being booed by his own fans.
The Catalans are in crisis with six-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi having left the club.
And Barca's fans are fuming that some of the other high-earners couldn't be shipped out so that Messi would stay.
Umtiti, who's been linked with a move to Manchester United, is among those players that have remained at the club.
And as he entered the game against Juventus, Umtiti was booed by some of his own fans.
- Thomas Blow
SISTER ACT
Neymar's sister has dropped the latest huge hint that Lionel Messi will be playing for Paris Saint-Germain this season.
The Argentine star conducted a tearful Barcelona exit press conference yesterday.
It is now expected that he will join PSG imminently, with ESPN reporter Julien Laurens claiming that a deal is already done.
And Rafaella Santos, sister of Messi's pal Neymar, has all but confirmed it.
Messi's wife Antonela Roccuzzo posted an emotional goodbye message to Barcelona, alongside a picture of herself with her husband and three children.
Rafaella commented in Portuguese: "Welcome beautiful!!!!"
- Thomas Blow
TIM VICKERY
Lionel Messi’s forced exit from Barcelona seems straight out of negotiations in the bizarro world.
He was overwhelmingly the most valuable asset in the Spanish league. They already had him, and could pay him half of what he had been receiving.
But they have to let him go – in order to keep financing all the bad purchases they have made.
However much Messi was being paid, he guarantees a return – on the field and in terms of sponsorship and global interest in a league which has already suffered the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo.
But it seems that Messi has to go so that Barcelona can keep paying Philippe Coutinho.
Click here to read Tim Vickery's take on the Messi saga
- Thomas Blow
JUR IT
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has refused to rule out any new signings before the transfer window slams shut.
And Klopp reportedly has a handful of players on his transfer shortlist, including Leicester City ace Harvey Barnes and Wolves' Pedro Neto.
Click here to read Liverpool's transfer shortlist
- Thomas Blow
TIME TO STRIKE
Harry Kane is more likely to join Manchester City than remain at Tottenham.
That's according to bookmakers Betfair, who've priced the centre-forward at 8/11 to join the Premier League champions before September 3.
Click here to check out the latest odds
- Thomas Blow
RED RAID
Manchester United are interested in making a shock free transfer swoop for Lionel Messi, according to reports.
The Barcelona great, 34, made an emotional exit from the Nou Camp on Sunday.
Despite agreeing a new contract at his boyhood club, LaLiga rules prevented the terms being signed.
It means the six-time Ballon d’Or winner is now a free agent and open to offers.
And according to Duncan Castles, United may put a contract on the table for Messi and his family to consider.
It is thought the Red Devils are crunching the numbers to work out if they can afford a deal.
- Thomas Blow
TAM’S UP
Tammy Abraham is set to leave Chelsea with the club closing in on a deal for Romelu Lukaku.
The Blues made Abraham available for transfer earlier this summer but so far no club has met their £40million asking price.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for the striker, 23, and he was believed to be keen on joining the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta’s side have maintained their interest in Abraham, as have West Ham, according to the Daily Mail.
And they are reportedly joined by Southampton and Atalanta, which means Abraham could have a number of offers to choose from.
Chelsea only want to let Abraham leave on a permanent basis.
- Thomas Blow
DOUBLE WHAMMY
Barcelona will be without summer signing Sergio Aguero until November with a calf injury, according to reports.
The Manchester City legend joined Barca on a free transfer earlier this summer.
According Gerard Romero of Catalan radio station RAC 1, Aguero will be out for the next three months.
- Thomas Blow
IN FOR THE KYL
Toni Kroos 'wouldn't be surprised' if Real Madrid sign Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
The Frenchman has long been linked with a move to Santiago Bernabeu.
Kroos told Bild: "I prefer to talk about signings that have already been completed.
"But since Real always want the best, I would not be surprised."
- Thomas Blow
ON THE MOVE
Paris Saint-Germain are heavy odds-on favourites to sign Lionel Messi after Barcelona confirmed his departure.
Click here to find out the latest odds
- Thomas Blow
HAA MUCH?
Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has confirmed the club are interested in signing Erling Haaland.
The 21-year-old is regarded as one of Europe’s brightest talents and his performances have drawn interest from Man Utd and Chelsea.
Salihamidzic said: “This [Haaland] is a top player that the whole world probably wants. Otherwise we would be full amateurs.”
- Thomas Blow
TOT-AL DREAM
Tottenham have made Lionel Messi an offer following his departure from Barcelona, according to reports.
The 34-year-old confirmed in a press conference on Sunday that he will leave the Nou Camp.
He also revealed he has received a number of offers, with Paris Saint-Germain thought to be in the driving seat.
But according to the Express, Spurs have enquired about the forward and his potential monetary demands.
Can you imagine Messi playing in the Europa Conference League this season?
- Thomas Blow
ARTETA DROPS WILLOCK HINT
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta dropped a huge hint about Joe Willock’s future after Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham.
Newcastle are reportedly closing in on a £22million deal for the midfielder, who impressed during a loan spell on Tyneside last season.
When asked by the club’s official website why Willock wasn't in the squad, Arteta said: "We will explain the reasons when we can."
Arteta was then asked if Willock is on his way out of the Emirates, to which he replied: "It's all I can say now, when I can say more I will let you know."
- Thomas Blow
BO WAY!
Remember Bojan?
The Stoke City flop, 30, has joined his former Barcelona team-mate Andres Iniesta at Japanese side Vissel Kobe.
Bojan has been without a club since leaving MLS side Montreal Impact last year.
The ex-Premier League star said: "This opportunity is one of the best, both personally and professionally – and I can't wait for this big challenge."
- Thomas Blow
WHAT THE DEL?
Tottenham played Arsenal in a pre-season 'friendly' in North London yesterday – but Dele Alli may not have got the memo.
The midfielder put in a fully committed display for the Lilywhites as he looked to impress new boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
But he got a tackle quite wrong right in front of the dugouts.
After Ben White played the ball down the touchline to Nicolas Pepe in the 34th minute, the Ivorian quickly popped it inside to Alexandre Lacazette.
Pepe was subsequently sent flying, when Alli crunched him with a late tackle.
Lacazette was visibly fuming, quickly steaming in to have a go at Alli – and Granit Xhaka also gave the Spurs man a little shove.
Alli, 25, was booked by the referee, and got on with the game.
- Thomas Blow
JOR DROPPING
Jorginho has joked that he texted Lionel Messi begging him to join Chelsea after the Argentine's shock Barcelona exit.
Speaking to TNT Sports in Brazil, he said: "I’ve already texted him (laughs). I'm kidding. I’m not even kidding about it.
"If he does not to come to Chelsea, let him go away (from the Premier League).
"I saw it (the departure) and I was like ‘what happened?’ I was incredulous. I was wondering if it was fake news."
- Thomas Blow
LOVE OF THE GAME
Keith Stroud is clearly as delighted as anyone to see the new season – and bizarrely blew a KISS to the match ball ahead of his game on Sunday.
The referee took charge of Fulham's 1-1 draw at home to Middlesbrough.
As he led the teams out of the tunnel, he performed the hilarious gesture before picking the Championship ball off the plinth at Craven Cottage.
To top it off, Stroud did the classic collection – throwing it up and catching it with both hands.
Even his assistants looked a bit confused by the antics – and unsurprisingly, fans on Twitter were also baffled.
- Thomas Blow
ON GAARD
Arsenal remain hopeful of signing Martin Odegaard despite their interest in James Maddison, according to reports.
The Gunners initially signed the Norwegian talent on loan from Real Madrid in January.
He subsequently impressed boss Mikel Arteta, making 20 appearances and scoring key goals against Olympiacos and Tottenham.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are still ‘keeping an eye’ on Odegaard’s situation.
The journalist tweeted: “Arsenal are still keeping an eye on Martin Odegaard. He’s always been the main target as number 10 – if he decides to leave Real and Real decides to sell him, Arsenal will bid for Odegaard.
“Arsenal would be ready to try also for a permanent move… but it’s up to Real.”
- Thomas Blow
MANN UNITED
Manchester United are interested in Barcelona star Antoine Griezmann and will make a move for the striker soon, according to reports.
Barcelona announced Lionel Messi’s departure from the club last week but still need to sell players to balance the books.
The Catalan club must reduce their wage bill and as one of the highest earners they are prepared to let Griezmann leave.
The Frenchman is being chased by United, who, according to Todofichajes, plan to make a low offer given the knowledge of Barca’s need to sell.
Griezmann, 30, is reportedly paid a gross salary of £32million a year, and getting that off the wage bill would greatly benefit Barcelona.
The forward is believed to be keen on a departure and has asked his agent to try and force an exit from the Nou Camp.
And after fans booed Griezmann’s arrival at the training ground following Messi’s departure he may be even more determined to make a move elsewhere.
- Thomas Blow
COMEBACK TRAIL
Hartlepool's winning return to the Football League against Crawley on Saturday ended five years of hurt for David Ferguson.
The full-back was captain of the Blackpool team relegated from League One in 2016 but was released with the club in financial meltdown.
Yet despite making 32 appearances that season – on the back of ten outings the previous campaign in the Championship – Ferguson found himself turning out for Shildon in the NINTH tier.
He considered quitting but stuck at it, and after spells with Darlington, York and Hartlepool is now back in the Football League.
It is remarkable a 22-year-old deemed good enough to captain a League One side suddenly found himself slumming it in the lower reaches of non-league.
Click here to read Justin Allen's interview with David Ferguson
- Thomas Blow
NEV-ER IN DOUBT
Phil Neville went from anger to ecstasy in the blink of an eye.
The Inter Miami boss was spitting feathers at the officials in stoppage time after the referee inadvertently got in Gonzalo Higuain’s way as the ex-Real Madrid and Chelsea ace desperately searched for a winner.
But just moments later, it was the Argentine’s older brother Federico who delivered a brilliant centre for former Aston Villa midfielder Indiana Vassilev to head home his first Miami goal in stoppage time after impressing off the bench.
Click here to read Steve Brenner's match report
- Kealan Hughes
TRANSFER NEWS
Lionel Messi is close to joining PSG – but the race for Erling Haaland NEXT SUMMER could be even bigger.
One-club legend Messi, 34, bade a tearful goodbye to Barcelona after 20 years.
And reports from his native Argentina suggest he could complete a PSG medical by this morning.
Meanwhile, it appears Borussia Dortmund could hold onto goal machine Haaland for another season – as more clubs ponder a huge-money bid.
But Bayern Munich will join Manchester United, neighbours City and Chelsea, plus Real Madrid and Barcelona, in pursuing the Norwegian 21-year-old.
New Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo is due to hold crunch talks with want-away Harry Kane today.
The England captain finally returned to Spurs on Saturday after taking an extended holiday following last month’s European Championships.
Santo said of the Manchester City target: “It’s true that Harry is back with us and we expect to integrate him with the squad as soon as he is allowed."
Finally, Manchester United's Anthony Martial is the man Inter Milan want to replace Chelsea-bound Romelu Lukaku.
But United want £50million for their Frenchman, compared to the £97.5m that Chelsea will pay for fellow frontman Lukaku.
- Ian Tuckey
OX COULD BE A SAINT AGAIN
Southampton have launched an ambitious bid to re-sign Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 10 years after selling him as a teenager.
Saints are keen to hand England international Oxlade-Chamberlain, 27, the chance to relaunch his career by taking him back on loan.
The Portsmouth-born academy graduate joined Saints aged seven and scored nine goals in 36 league appearances before a £15million move to Arsenal in 2011.
The south coast side believe Liverpool are open to offers for Oxlade-Chamberlain after playing only 13 Premier League games last season.
Oxlade-Chamberlain's Liverpool team-mate Takumi Minamino spent the second half of last season on loan at St Mary's and Saints have made enquiries about his availability.
Ox joined the Reds in a £35m deal from Arsenal in 2017 but injuries have prevented him from ever fully establishing himself in Jurgen Klopp's first XI.
- Ian Tuckey
STERLING SET FOR CITY TALKS
Raheem Sterling is set to hold fresh contract talks with Manchester City.
The England ace, 26, has two years remaining on his £300,000-a-week deal but has been linked with moves to both Arsenal and Tottenham.
Sterling had a difficult end to last season and often found himself on the bench as the club won the Premier League and Carabao Cup.
The recent arrival of Jack Grealish, 25, for a British record £100million means competition for places is even greater.
But he shone at the Euros, scoring three times to help Gareth Southgate’s men go all the way to the final – and he remains part of Pep Guardiola’s plans.
Sterling has been on the radar of Arsenal and was believed to be among the established stars City were willing to send to Spurs in a players-plus-cash offer for Harry Kane.
The Three Lions winger handled his last round of contract negotiations himself after splitting from his agent earlier in the year.
But in the end, they failed to reach a conclusion.
- Ian Tuckey
MADDISON WORTH AS MUCH AS £100M GREALISH
Brendan Rodgers reckons he has his own £100million man in James Maddison.
The Leicester boss thinks Maddison could be every bit as valuable to them as British record signing Jack Grealish is to Manchester City.
And with Arsenal rumoured to be lining up a summer swoop, Rodgers has warned it will take a similar offer to prise Maddison away from the King Power Stadium.
After beating City in the Community Shield, Rodgers said: “I think they are both close. They are both very talented players.
“Stylistically, I think they’re the same. They are both creators.
“But I would say they are both totally different. One is a dribbler – one commits people down the sides.
“James is more central and he’s more of a passer. So yes, they are both creative players but stylistically they are both very different.
“Everyone could see today how hard James works for the team, his quality and how he takes the ball. His eye for the last pass.
“He is a wonderful talent and I thought he was excellent tactically because they really challenge you in that respect. I thought he was brilliant.”
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