Lionel Messi considers Paris Saint-Germain future amid €400m-per-year Saudi Arabia offer from Al Hilal – Paper Round

Messi weighs up his options

Lionel Messi’s contract at Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire this summer and he has four options to assess when making a decision on his future. The World Cup winner can continue negotiations with his current club, attempt an ambitious return to Barcelona or explore a new opportunity. Messi is has been a long-term target of MLS club Inter Miami, but has also just received an eye-watering contract offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, worth €400m per year.

“The option of the MLS has always been there. [Inter] Miami has long been keen to bring the greatest footballer of all time to its franchise.

“The most recent of the options available to Leo Messi and also the most powerful financially, as the 400 million euros that Al-Hilal want to put on the table would make him the highest paid footballer in the world. But, on the other hand, it would also be the one that least appeals to the No 10 at the moment.

“In recent days, Leo Messi has become more and more linked with [Barcelona]. Sponsors are being sought to make the operation viable.”

Premier League clubs battle for Kim

A number of top European sides are ready to battle for the signature of Kim Min-Jae this summer. The Korea international has enjoyed a successful campaign with Napoli and has attracted numerous admirers across the continent. Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are willing to activate Kim’s £40-million release clause, but will face competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.

“Sportsmail understands the top-flight trio are among several European clubs who are keen on the South Korean. Kim, 26, is said to prefer a move to the Premier League, were he to leave Napoli after just one season.

“Spurs hold a slight advantage given the presence of international team-mate Son Heung-min, but the emergence of Liverpool and United – as well as Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich – has given the player and his representatives many options.”

Gallardo eyes Chelsea vacancy

Marcelo Gallardo has thrown himself into the mix for the manager’s job at Chelsea following Sunday’s sacking of Graham Potter. The Blues are reportedly ready to interview up to seven managers and former Bayern Munich boss Julian Naglesmann is the early favourite for the vacancy at Stamford Bridge. However, Gallardo is viewed as an “interesting option” by Chelsea and could be considered for the role.

“Gallardo’s salary demands of close to £10m a year have also proven an impediment to getting a job in Europe so far, with a number of continental sides put off by such figures for someone who has not managed in the Champions League.

“Chelsea want to speak to up to seven managers and have already held talks with Luis Enrique, Mauricio Pochettino and widespread favourite Julian Nagelsmann”

Forest could offer Vieira swift return to management

Patrick Vieira could be offered an immediate return to Premier League management with Nottingham Forest, according to the Mail. The Frenchman was sacked by Crystal Palace following a poor run of form in 2023 just weeks ago, but Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis may decide to sack Steve Cooper and install Vieira in the dugout with just nine matches remaining to save their season.

“Should Cooper be shown the exit door, Sportsmail can exclusively reveal Vieira would be in the running to replace him less than three weeks after being sacked by Crystal Palace.”