Transfer News: Done Deals, Messi, Haaland, Alaba, Lacazette, Grealish, Ziyech.

Joan Laporta has expressed his belief that Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona if he doesn’t win the club’s presidential election later this month.

Speculation over Messi’s future is raging as he approaches the final months of his current contract, wit it suggested that the Argentine will call time on his illustrious 16-year career at Camp Nou at the end of the season.

Laporta still believes that Messi can be convinced to extend his stay in Catalunya, but only if he beats Victor Font and Toni Freixa to become Barca president for the second time on March 8.

Arteta addresses Lacazette future

Mikel Arteta insists contract talks with Alexandre Lacazette will start soon with the Arsenal forward being linked with a summer move away from Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners boss told reporters: “He’s got a contract with us. He played really well the other week. It’s exactly what we demand him to do.

Alaba in talks with English clubs as Madrid offer too low

David Alaba is in discussions with clubs from the Premier League as Real Madrid’s contract offer isn’t considered to be acceptable, Sport Bild reports.

There are also talks being held with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, with Alaba yet to have made a decision over the club he’ll join after he leaves Bayern Munich.

Grealish needs to get out of Aston Villa now – Scholes

Paul Scholes has urged Jack Grealish to consider joining Manchester United, Manchester City or Liverpool, insisting the Aston Villa star “needs to get out now”.

Grealish has solidified his standing as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League this season, inspiring Villa’s push for a European spot in the process.

Atletico Madrid want struggling Ziyech

Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech is a summer target for Atletico Madrid, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.

Ziyech was part of a big summer of spending by the Blues ahead of this season, but he has only scored twice for the Stamford Bridge side and has only started two games since Thomas Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard as manager.

Haaland ‘stance’ on Liverpool transfer

Liverpool are reportedly on the list of Erling Haaland’s ideal next transfer destination.

Speculation linking the Norway international to the Reds has only increased with Roberto Firmino’s inconsistent form this season.

Reports in Germany have now claimed that Liverpool are one of just six clubs Haaland views as a potential next destination.

Done Deals

OFFICIAL: Juventus sign Weston McKennie in permanent £16m transfer from Schalke after US midfielder impress during loan spell

JUVENTUS have completed the permanent signing of midfielder Weston McKennie for an initial £16million.

The 22-year-old American has spent the season on loan at the Old Lady from Schalke.

OFFICIAL: Palace defender Reece Hannam extends contract.

Crystal Palace defender Reece Hannam has signed a contract extension that now runs until June 2023, with the option to extend by a further year.

Hannam, 20, has impressed with his exemplary attitude since joining Palace last summer, and recently featured as an unused substitute for the Premier League clash with Fulham.

OFFICIAL: Harvey Blair signs contract extension with Liverpool FC.

Harvey Blair has signed a new contract extension with Liverpool FC.

The 17-year-old is in his first season with Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s U18s squad.

After some fine goalscoring form in pre-season, his progress was disrupted by an injury in the first league game of the 2020-21 campaign.