Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest transfer news in the Premier League on Monday, November 23.
Monday morning's Premier League transfer talk news roundup:
Manchester City 'end Lionel Messi pursuit'
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Manchester City will make no attempt to prise Lionel Messi away from Barcelona, according to Spanish football expert Semra Hunter.
Having been at war with the powers-that-be at Camp Nou for the past few months, Messi continues to be linked with a move away from Camp Nou after initially submitting a transfer request in the summer.
City have been regarded as the favourites to land Messi ever since, but Hunter has claimed that Pep Guardiola's side have accepted that they cannot fund a move for the soon-to-be free agent amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Hunter said: "I have it on good authority from someone close to the situation that Manchester City are not going to bid for Lionel Messi. Based on the information I have, as of today, that door is closed.
"They have two reasons for this: age and finances. Talking about age, he is heading into the twilight years of his career and you'll be bringing on board a Messi that is different to what we've seen for the last 17 years with Barcelona. Even he himself has said that he is getting closer to the dreaded r-word of retirement more so than anyone cares to admit.
"That goes hand-in-hand with finances because even though he would be able to join for free, his wages are astronomically high - he is earning about €100m (£89.2m) a year.
"That would be a huge financial burden for any club to take on, especially given the fact that we are in the middle of a global pandemic. Either you have to offload some of the highest earners or you have to sell off players or make other tweaks in other parts of the club depending on whatever formula a club would want to use to bring Messi on board.
"Perhaps, clubs would rather invest that money into bringing younger players in or bringing in reinforcements in positions where they actually need those reinforcements."
City manager Guardiola recently admitted that he would like to see Messi hang up his boots at Barcelona, where he boasts six goals and four assists across all competitions this season.
Patrice Evra: 'West Ham United know that Declan Rice will leave'
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West Ham United "know" that they will be forced to sell Declan Rice in the near future, according to former Manchester United captain Patrice Evra.
Rice has been in excellent form for the Hammers during the 2020-21 campaign and is expected to be a key player for England at next summer's European Championships.
Chelsea were strongly linked with their former youngster over the summer, and it is thought that the Blues will again attempt to sign him in either January or at the end of the 2020-21 campaign.
Evra has said that David Moyes's side will already be aware that keeping the 21-year-old is an impossible task due to the interest in his services.
"Moyes has given him the captaincy, so for me, it symbols the future of West Ham. It's not easy to put Mark Noble on the bench," Evra told Sky Sports News.
"They know they are going to lose him, because many big clubs are interested in Declan, but right now, he's the man of West Ham. I'm not surprised.
"I knew this player would never allow his head to get bigger because he's so focused and so humble, and you can see him smiling - he's happy, what a joy. I'm very pleased for him."
Rice has a contract at the London Stadium until the summer of 2024.
More transfer news from Premier League:
Inter Milan weighing up Christian Eriksen, Fred swap deal?
A report claims that Manchester United may be offered the chance to sign Christian Eriksen from Inter Milan if they hand over Fred as part of an exchange deal. Read more.
Manchester United-linked Christian Eriksen free to leave Inter Milan in January
Inter Milan chief executive officer Beppe Marotta says that Christian Eriksen will be free to leave the club in January. Read more.
Manchester City 'considered Romelu Lukaku as Sergio Aguero replacement'
Manchester City considered moving for Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku over the summer, according to a report. Read more.
Juventus chief rubbishes Cristiano Ronaldo exit speculation
Juventus director Fabio Paratici plays down suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo could leave the club in the near future. Read more.
Manchester City 'lining up lucrative Gabriel Jesus deal'
Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus is next in line for a new Manchester City contract, according to a report. Read more.
Pep Guardiola 'wants Harry Kane at Manchester City'
Pep Guardiola reportedly informs Manchester City officials that he would like to sign Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane. Read more.
Oliver Giroud admits that he could leave Chelsea in January
Olivier Giroud hints that he will look to leave Chelsea at the start of 2021 unless his playing time at the club increases. Read more.
Inter Milan 'priced out of a move for David Alaba'
Inter Milan are not in the race to sign Bayern Munich defender David Alaba, according to a report. Read more.
Chelsea open to Fikayo Tomori loan exit?
Chelsea are reportedly open to allowing Fikayo Tomori to leave Stamford Bridge on loan during the January transfer window. Read more.
Jules Kounde confirms Manchester City interest
Sevilla defender Jules Kounde admits that he held an interest in signing for Manchester City earlier this year. Read more.
