MESSI CRUNCH TALKS
THE key protagonists determining Lionel Messi’s future are now in Barcelona as his transfer saga involving Manchester City reaches crunch-time. Messi’s father, Jorge, has flown into Catalonia and will hold talks with the Barca hierarchy this week. He is expected to ask that Messi be allowed to leave the Nou Camp for nothing, believing a free transfer clause that expired on June 10 is still valid owing to coronavirus. City sporting director Txiki Begiristain has also jetted to Barcelona. He is staying with family on the outskirts of the city, but his arrival feels significant.