Lionel Messi considers Paris Saint-Germain future amid €400m-per-year Saudi Arabia offer from Al Hilal - Paper Round
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Updated 05/04/2023 at 08:22 GMT
Lionel Messi must make a decision on his future as his Paris Saint-Germain contract edges closer to its expiration date and he is not short of lucrative offers. Elsewhere, a trio of Premier League clubs are interested in Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae, Chelsea's search for a new manager continues and Nottingham Forest could sack Steve Cooper following their devastating defeat to Leeds United.
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Messi weighs up his options
Lionel Messi's contract at Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire this summer and he has four options to assess when making a decision on his future. The World Cup winner can continue negotiations with his current club, attempt an ambitious return to Barcelona or explore a new opportunity. Messi has been a long-term target of MLS club Inter Miami, but has also just received an eye-watering contract offer from Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal, worth €400m per year.
Spanish media outlet Sport report: "There was an agreement in principle for the renewal of the Argentine star with his current club, but PSG have not guaranteed Leo Messi a winning sporting project and negotiations have cooled down.
"The option of MLS has always been there. [Inter] Miami has long been keen to bring the greatest footballer of all time to its franchise.
"The most recent of the options available to Leo Messi and also the most powerful financially, as the 400 million euros that Al-Hilal want to put on the table would make him the highest paid footballer in the world. But, on the other hand, it would also be the one that least appeals to the No 10 at the moment.
"In recent days, Leo Messi has become more and more linked with [Barcelona]. Sponsors are being sought to make the operation viable."
Premier League clubs battle for Kim
A number of top European sides are ready to battle for the signature of Kim Min-Jae this summer. The Korea international has enjoyed a successful campaign with Napoli and has attracted numerous admirers across the continent. Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are willing to activate Kim's £40-million release clause, but will face competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.
The Mail reveal: "Premier League rivals Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham have expressed an interest in activating the £40million release clause of Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae.
"Sportsmail understands the top-flight trio are among several European clubs who are keen on the South Korean. Kim, 26, is said to prefer a move to the Premier League, were he to leave Napoli after just one season.
"Spurs hold a slight advantage given the presence of international team-mate Son Heung-min, but the emergence of Liverpool and United - as well as Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich - has given the player and his representatives many options."
Gallardo eyes Chelsea vacancy
Marcelo Gallardo has thrown himself into the mix for the manager's job at Chelsea following Sunday's sacking of Graham Potter. The Blues are reportedly ready to interview up to seven managers and former Bayern Munich boss Julian Naglesmann is the early favourite for the vacancy at Stamford Bridge. However, Gallardo is viewed as an "interesting option" by Chelsea and could be considered for the role.
The Independent reveal: "Marcelo Gallardo has put himself forward for the Chelsea job on a day that has seen them talk to main candidates such as Julian Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique and Mauricio Pochettino.
"Gallardo's salary demands of close to £10m a year have also proven an impediment to getting a job in Europe so far, with a number of continental sides put off by such figures for someone who has not managed in the Champions League.
"Chelsea want to speak to up to seven managers and have already held talks with Luis Enrique, Mauricio Pochettino and widespread favourite Julian Nagelsmann"
Forest could offer Vieira swift return to management
Patrick Vieira could be offered a near-immediate return to Premier League management with Nottingham Forest, according to the Mail. The Frenchman was sacked by Crystal Palace following a poor run of form in 2023 just weeks ago, but Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis may decide to sack Steve Cooper and install Vieira in the dugout with just nine matches remaining to save their season.
The Mail report: "Defeat at Elland Road [saw] Forest fall below Leeds in the table, and could spell the end for Cooper, with owner Evangelos Marinakis concerned by the team's results and performances in recent weeks.
"Should Cooper be shown the exit door, Sportsmail can exclusively reveal Vieira would be in the running to replace him less than three weeks after being sacked by Crystal Palace."
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