Lionel Messi could be offered MLS franchise if he joins Inter Miami on free transfer – Paper Round

Messi could be offered huge deal

Inter Miami may be able to sign Lionel Messi on a free transfer, but the Mirror reports that the MLS chief Don Garber may allow a deal similar to David Beckham’s at LA Galaxy.

The midfielder was given the right to own a franchise at a cut-price valuation, if he met certain stipulations, and that might give a Stateside move the edge.

“Messi remains one of the best players in the world and won the Golden Ball at the World Cup, which ran in November and December. If the MLS is going to bring the Argentine to the United States, the league would ave to come up with major compensation to lure him away from Europe.

“Recent reports suggested Saudi Arabian clubs are interested in paying Messi a deal similar to rival Cristiano Ronaldo ’s reported £62m annual contract at Al Nassr. As a result, a mega offer would be needed to persuade Messi to move across the Atlantic – and Garber suggested the MLS could pull some strings.”

Lukaku future unclear

Romelu Lukaku’s deal with Inter Milan includes no option to buy, and it is far from clear if the Italians want him after an injury-hit season.

However after a huge transfer window outlay under Graham Potter, the Mail suggests there is no demand for him for the next season.

“Inter chief Beppe Marotta claimed that Lukaku wants to turn his loan spell with the club into a permanent move, but that the striker will return to Chelsea, as the deal struck last summer has no option to buy him.

“Lukaku has struggled with injuries during his latest spell in Italy, limited to just 15 appearances and four goals for the blue and black half of Milan.

“But his return to Stamford Bridge may not be warmly welcomed by the current manager, with a new Italian media report suggesting that Graham Potter is not looking to have Lukaku back in the Chelsea fold.”

Real interests Haaland agent

Rafael Pimenta, part of Erling Haaland’s representatives, explained that these days Real Madrid are seen as sui generis in their ability to attract stars, despite the Premier League’s riches.

“‘Real Madrid has something of its own that makes it the Dreamland for the players. It keeps this magic going. It doesn’t have the league competition but it does have the Champions League,’” the report says.

“Having attracted interest from Real Madrid last year, the Norway international joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.

“‘There is the Premier League. And there is Real Madrid,’ Pimenta said.”

Firmino set to quit Liverpool

Liverpool’s 31-year-old striker Roberto Firmino is planning to leave the club at the end of the season on a free transfer, according to his agent.

The Sun newspaper reports that the decision has been taken by the veteran who will be the latest big name to leave after Sadio Mane departed for Bayern Munich last summer.

“The Brazilian has been with the Merseyside club since 2015 is among the club’s longest-serving players.

“But his time is now set to come to an end after weeks of speculation over his future.

“The forward is now set to be available on a free transfer and many clubs in Europe will likely be keen on him after his successful spell in England.”