Barcelona remain in contact with PSG’s Lionel Messi and want summer free transfer – Paper Round

Barca still in contact with Messi

The paper reports: “There have been more and more reports this past week regarding a potential Lionel Messi return to Barcelona, and vice-president Rafa Yuste has admitted that the two parties are keeping in touch.

“He spoke about his disappointment at the fact that Messi had to leave in 2021, but is hopeful that the Argentine can finish his career at the Camp Nou.

“’I would love for him to return because of what he could represent, not only on a sporting level.

“’These kinds of nice stories deserve happy endings.

“’We are in contact with them.

“’When you are in love and you break up with someone, you always want to stay in love. Even if you lose contact.’”

Newcastle may return for McTominay

The Daily Mail believes that Newcastle United could come back in for Scott McTominay this summer, with the 26-year-old falling down the pecking order at Manchester United following the arrival of Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, and Marcel Sabitzer.

There is though good reason to think that United would prefer to keep the Scotland international, even if he is struggling for time on the pitch under Erik ten Hag.

“The 26-year-old starred for Scotland during the international break, scoring four goals in the Euro 2024 qualifying wins over Spain and Cyprus.

“Tomorrow, he will be in Erik ten Hag’s squad to face Newcastle at St James’ Park having attracted keen interest from the opposition in the January window.

“United rejected Newcastle’s approaches then, but McTominay’s situation is expected to be re-evaluated in the summer.

“Old Trafford sources insist he has an important role to play for the rest of the season and won’t be pushed out. There is a great deal of pride in his progress, as well as a degree of sensitivity around the prospect of selling a homegrown player who has been associated with the club since the age of five.”

Tuchel hopeful over Chelsea coach

New Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel remains keen on bringing in his former Chelsea colleague Anthony Barry.

The pair worked together at Stamford Bridge and Barry has remained at the club under new manager Graham Potter, but negotiations are ongoing over his appointment.

“Tuchel is “optimistic” a deal will be made but Chelsea don’t want Barry at Bayern if the two clubs meet in the Champions League semi-finals.

“Stamford Bridge manager Graham Potter confirmed Barry is off work as talks continue.

“And Tuchel is keen to land the Englishman soon, with the pair having guided Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021.

“The German said: ‘It’s a matter between the clubs. It’s still my absolute wish for him to come.

“‘The clubs have to reach an agreement. But I’m optimistic.’”

Klopp plans summer spending

Despite the prospect of a potential sale by FSG, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes that the club will spend heavily in the summer after struggling this season in the title race.

The Mirror reports that Klopp is not fazed by the idea that investment will be needed, compared to previous comments where he acknowledged the club’s financial limitations.

“And the Reds boss didn’t flinch when asked whether his club would be prepared to spend £100m+ on one player, as he nimbly declined to rule out such lavish spending.

“In the past, Klopp has repeatedly suggested Liverpool would not enter the transfer arms race by spending so much on a single star, but in response to the question – with Jude Bellingham valued above that figure – he replied: ‘The club will spend in the summer, definitely – for who, how many, those kind of things, there is nothing to say (at present).’”