Manchester City transfer news and rumours: Manuel Pellegrini confirms Lionel Messi interest; Bony could force Stevan Jovetic exit

The latest transfer news and speculation at the Etihad

Lionel Messi (GETTY IMAGES)

MANUEL’S MEGA MESSI MOVE…

Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that Manchester City can afford a move for Lionel Messi even if the total cost exceeds £480m in a transfer fee, wages and add-ons. Messi’s future has been the talk of the January transfer window after fuelling speculation that he could leave Barcelona at the end of the season, revealing that he doesn’t know where he will be playing next season. Pellegrini confirmed that it’s natural for a club like City to be mentioned in the same sentence as Messi, although he did stress that “nothing concrete” is in place regarding a move.

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HEADING FOR THE EXIT…

Wilfried Bony completed his £28m move to the Etihad on Wednesday after agreeing personal terms with the club in a confusing transfer saga that was originally announced by the Ivory Coast FA, denied by Swansea City, then confirmed by Manchester City immediately after. However, Bony’s arrival gives Pellegrini a problem in that he has one too many squad members to register for the Champions League campaign, and this could prompt the departure of Stevan Jovetic.

The Serbain striker is a transfer target for Juventus and seen as a potential replacement for Carlos Tevez, who has 18 months left to run on his contract and will not be extending it. However, despite having Bony available alongside Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko, City are believed to be not interested in selling Jovetic. Should he catch wind that he will be left out of the Champions League squad though, he could well try and force an exit himself.

DEVELOPMENTS…

On-loan City striker John Guidetti has refused to confirm where his future lies after being quizzed on whether he will return to the Premier League or remain north of the border with Celtic. Guidetti in on a season-long loan with the Scottish champions and admits he is happy to be playing for the club, but revealed that he is leaving his future in the hands of his agent in order to focus on on-field matters.

Jovetic could be forced out of City after the arrival of Bony (Getty Images)

French media outlet Le Progres report that City are considering a €32m bid for Lyon winger Alexandre Lacazette, although the completed deal for Bony and Uefa’s Financial Fair Play restrictions on City are unlikely to see that move happen until the summer. Lacazette has already said that he sees his future in either England or Spain, but the Ligue 1 club have expressed a desire not to sell him.