Sunday's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup: Fernandinho, Lionel Messi, John Stones

The summer transfer window has now closed, with Manchester City having again focused on bolstering their defence first and foremost.

Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias arrived for a combined sum of more than £100m, while Ferran Torres was another notable signing. Attention will now switch to the January window as Pep Guardiola's side attempt to win back the Premier League title.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Etihad.

Sunday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:

Pep Guardiola confirms plans for Fernandinho talks

© Reuters

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has hinted that Fernandinho could sign a new deal at the club.

The 35-year-old is in his eighth season with the Citizens and remains an important player at the Etihad Stadium, having already featured on nine occasions during the 2020-21 campaign.

A recent report claimed that Fernandinho was expecting to leave the club when his current deal expires next June, but Guardiola has suggested that an extension is a possibility.

"It is not necessary to say how important he is for all of us and me personally. The last game against Porto showed his incredible personality. We need Fernandinho a lot this season because we have just two holding midfielders and he knows the position perfectly," Guardiola told reporters.

"Last season he helped us a lot in a position where we didn't have much players with injuries so he is coming back to his position because we now have five central defenders.

"Whatever happens in the middle of the season or three-quarters of the way through or at the end of the season, him and the club are going to talk about it [a contract]."

Fernandinho, who has won three Premier League titles during his time at the Etihad Stadium, is believed to be wanted by City's sister club New York City FC, in addition to a number of Brazilian sides.

Manchester City to make January bid for Lionel Messi?

© Reuters

Lionel Messi reportedly remains keen to leave Barcelona as soon as possible, leaving Manchester City to consider a bid for the forward in January.

The Premier League giants had wanted to sign the 33-year-old earlier this year, only for the hierarchy at the Catalan giants to insist that a £630m release clause must be activated.

However, interim president Carlos Tusquets has revealed that he would have sold Messi in the summer had he replaced Josep Maria Bartomeu at an earlier date.

According to The Sun, City may look to complete a deal for the Argentine during the January window, whether that be for a fee or on a pre-contract agreement.

Unless Messi has a change of heart, he will be able to hold discussions with foreign clubs at the beginning of 2021.

While Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be in the running, the French side are only interested in a free transfer at the end of the campaign.

More transfer news from Manchester City:

Manchester City 'closing in on Diego Rosa deal'
Gremio midfielder Diego Rosa will join Manchester City during the January transfer window, according to a report. Read more.

Arsenal lining up John Stones move?
Manchester City defender John Stones, who has been enjoying more first-team action recently, is reportedly a transfer target for Arsenal. Read more.