Football rumours from the media

*Lionel Messi* may have elected to stay at Barcelona this season, but rumours around his longer-term future have already begun. The Daily Telegraph reports Manchester City, who have openly expressed interest in the record-breaking Barcelona captain, will have an opportunity to offer the 33-year-old a pre-contract in January ahead of a potential move to England next summer. Talks on Messi’s future at Barcelona are not likely to take place until after a new president is elected in March, leaving City, or other clubs, a small window to agree terms on a contract starting in July 2021.