Wednesday's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup: Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Manuel Locatelli

The January transfer window is now open, with Manchester City continuing to be linked with a host of big names.

Pep Guardiola's side have endured an inconsistent first half of the season and could look to dip their toe into the transfer market again despite a relatively big-spending summer.

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

Wednesday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:

Barcelona 'must still pay Lionel Messi bonuses for years if he leaves'

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Lionel Messi will keep pocketing money from Barcelona until 2025 due to bonuses included in his contract, according to a report.

The Blaugrana blocked an exit for their wantaway talisman in the summer, but he is looking increasingly likely to leave this year after entering the final six months of his deal.

Like many clubs across the globe, Barcelona are still reeling from the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic, but the club will supposedly have to keep forking out money to Messi for years to come.

According to Marca, Messi's most recent contract extension in 2017 includes bonuses totalling €78m (£69.6m) to be paid in two instalments, the first of which he cashed in on last summer.

That means that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner will receive another €39m (£34.8m) whether he is on the books at Camp Nou or not, and the money will be received in eight separate payments over the next four years - starting at the end of the current campaign.

Messi - who continues to be linked with moves to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain - has started to hit top form in recent weeks and boasts 14 goals and six assists in all competitions during the 2020-21 season.

Barcelona 'want Manchester City's Sergio Aguero on a free transfer'

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Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero on a free transfer this summer.

The Argentine's current contract expires in June, which means that the 32-year-old can talk to European clubs about a move away from the Etihad Stadium.

The Sun reports that the Catalan club have been alerted that Aguero is yet to negotiate a new deal with City and are hopeful of beating Spanish rivals Atletico Madrid to sign the striker.

French champions Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in the City man who are now managed by compatriot Mauricio Pochettino.

Aguero, who has spent nine years with City, has won four Premier League titles, five EFL Cups and one FA Cup during a trophy-filled spell in Manchester.

The forward, however, has suffered with a knee injury for the majority of the 2020-21 campaign and has only featured nine times in all competitions so far, scoring just twice.

More transfer news from Manchester City:

Manchester City make Manuel Locatelli top midfield target?
Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli in next summer's transfer window. Read more.

Liverpool, Manchester United 'told to pay £100m for Kalidou Koulibaly'
Liverpool and Manchester United will have to pay £100m if they wish to sign Napoli's central defender Kalidou Koulibaly. Read more.