Barcelona on alert as Paris Saint-Germain prepare to let Lionel Messi leave on free transfer – Paper Round

PSG to let Messi leave

The Mirror reports that Paris Saint-Germain are willing to let Lionel Messi leave in the summer on a free transfer.

The Argentine’s deal is up soon, and Barcelona are keen to bring him back to Spain, assuming their financial condition allows.

“Messi joined the French club as a free agent on a two-year contract in the summer of 2021 and while he is on course to helping them to successive Ligue 1 crowns, Champions League glory has remained elusive.

“With just two months remaining on the Argentine superstar’s contract, PSG are in no rush to extend the arrangement. The development comes as club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi aims to make PSG a more financially sustainable project, with fewer star names and a greater emphasis on young French talents.

“Barcelona are hopeful of signing Messi this summer, with the Catalan club’s transfer chiefs confirming contact had been made with the player’s camp regarding a potential return to the Camp Nou. Messi and his camp are aware of this interest, but no official approach has yet been made.”

Barcelona line up Chelsea double swoop

Barcelona are also keen on signing two players from Chelsea. They want experienced Francophone duo N’Golo Kante and their former player Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang.

“French midfielder Kante, 32, is currently in talks with his club about renewing his contract – which is set to expire at the end of the season.

“Meanwhile, Aubameyang arrived from the Nou Camp on deadline day in September 2022, but has endured a difficult spell in west London.

“Xavi has a list of targets and will offer Kante a two-year deal. Barca will also want an answer from Aubameyang by the first week in June.”

Pochettino favourite to take over at Chelsea

Maurico Pochettino, who managed at Southampton and then Tottenham before his spell at Paris Saint-Germain, is leading the way.

“Mauricio Pochettino has become the standout favorite to become Chelsea’s next coach. Frank Lampard’s appointment as interim manager until the end of the season has not stopped the Blues’ pursuit of a new boss,” the paper states.

“The search for candidates has been reduced to four. In it are Julian Nagelsmann, although the German has almost definitely dropped out of this race, Vincent Kompany, Luis Enrique and Pochettino, the best positioned to be the new coach of the London team.

“Chelsea and Pochettino’s representatives have held several meetings in recent weeks and the feelings on both sides are positive. So much so that the Argentine coach has become the main favorite to take the reins of the team next season.”

Newcastle to move for Tierney

With Dan Burn not convincing fans, and money to spend in the summer transfer window, The Sun believes that Newcastle will turn to Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney as their new defensive signing.

The 25-year-old Scotland international is down the pecking order after the arrival of Oleksandr Zincehnko, and could be offered more time on the pitch under Eddie Howe.

“The Magpies manager fiercely defended Dan Burn who has come in for stinging criticism from fans.

“Howe wants an upgrade with more attacking threat and Tierney tops the list.

The injury-plagued Scot, 25, is behind Oleksandr Zinchenko in the “Gunners’ pecking order but would still cost £30million-plus.

“Sources close to Tierney believe a summer Tyneside move is increasingly likely.”