Messi wanted in China
Lionel Messi is a target for big-spending Hebei China Fortune in what would be a landmark transfer for the Chinese Super League, reports Mundo Deportivo.
Despite Messi's initial refusal to entertain a move to the Far East last summer, Hebei Fortune apparently remain undeterred in their quest to sign the Barcelona superstar.
Managed by former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, the Super League side recently added Javier Mascherano to their ranks, which also includes Ezequiel Lavezzi. The hope is that the Argentine's compatriots will help convince him to seek a new challenge at the end of the season.
The only issue, of course, is that Messi's new contract -- which runs until 2021 -- contains a €700 million release clause. We're about to find out how big Hebei's fortune really is.
Liverpool back in for Lemar
Liverpool will return for Thomas Lemar in the summer despite failing with a £78m bid for the midfielder last year, claims the Independent.
The 22-year-old France international recently rejected a new contract at Monaco, and seems destined to move on after coming close to joining Arsenal in August 2017.
Despite Arsenal maintaining their interest, it's thought Liverpool are Lemar's preferred choice, with Jurgen Klopp raising the idea of a transfer in January.
Monaco were unwilling to do business halfway through the campaign, however, and the Reds will have to wait until the summer to land Philippe Coutinho's replacement.
