Barcelona planning for Lionl Messi return from Paris Saint-Germain on free transfer - Paper Round

Barca plot Messi return With his contract up at the end of the season, Spanish newspaper Marca reports that Lionel Messi is a target for Barcelona, providing he would take a wage cut. Xavi Hernandez would be keen for the 36-year-old to play alongside youngsters such as Pedri, Ansu Fati and Gavi, but if no deal could be arranged then Barca are keen to bring him back as an ambassador or technical advisor.

Ad TransfersDortmund ready to sell Bellingham for just £83m — Paper RoundYESTERDAY AT 05:06 Paper Round’s view: Messi was well off the pace last year but things have improved a little this season. While Cristiano Ronaldo has also suffered this season, it appears that time has finally caught up with the two best players of all time.

If Barcelona do want him then this would be an emotional rather than pragmatic decision, and that is not the worst thing in football. Read the full story United still keen on De Jong Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag would still be interested in signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to the Mirror.

The 25-year-old Dutch international has been discussed as potentially lacking fitness by his Netherlands international coach Louis van Gaal, which the paper believes might however put off Ten Hag who would want him to hit the ground running in January. Paper Round’s view: Ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford and must have been underwhelmed by the physical condition of many of his players.

For too long they struggled to match their opponents for stamina and intensity and it is not yet clear if the Dutch manager has managed to fundamentally change that, so if De Jong is not fresh then he may not be a January target. Read the full story United keen to extend Rashford deal Manchester United