Paper round-up: Messi's mega-million move
PA PhotosLionel Messi has become Barcelona's £312 million man £312 million. That's how much money another club will need to prise Lionel Messi away from Barcelona, the Sun reports. The staggering figure is estimated to be the star forward's gross worth following a contract extension signed on Tuesday which will keep him at the Liga leaders until 2018. That is comprised of £102 million worth of wages, plus a further £210 million required to trigger his get-out clause. After netting 90 goals so far in 2012, it appears Barca will need to be paid a fortune before considering letting the Argentine leave. But surely not even the big-spending Manchester City or Paris-Saint Germain have those sorts of funds available ... do they?
Arsenal's Theo Walcott has had a fresh round of peace talks with the club over his protracted negotiations. The Daily Mail claims it is the first time in five years that the England winger has sat down for formal talks. If that news was not positive enough for Gunners fans, Sportsmail also suggests Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Aaron Ramsey and Carl Jenkinson will put pen to paper on long-term deals by the end of the week. A fine Christmas present indeed for the Arsenal faithful.
Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fernandinho is being targeted by both Manchester United and City, the Daily Mirror reveals. The £16.5 million-rated Brazilian impressed during Shakhtar's clashes against Chelsea in the Champions League, and it is believed Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini are locked in a tense battle to lure Fernandinho to their respective clubs. City initially thought they had a pre-agreement with Fernandinho, but fresh reports on Wednesday morning state Ferguson is ready to swoop in with an offer that will be difficult for the Ukrainian champions to resist.
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