Saturday's La Liga transfer talk news roundup: Lionel Messi, Kai Havertz, Nicolas Tagliafico

Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest transfer news in La Liga on Saturday, July 18.

Saturday morning's La Liga transfer talk news roundup:

Liverpool, Manchester City 'to battle for Diego Carlos'

© Reuters

Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly ready to lock horns for the signature of Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos during this summer's transfer window.

The 27-year-old has impressed in La Liga this season following a move from Nantes last summer, and a number of clubs, including Barcelona, are believed to be interested in his signature.

Carlos has a contract at the Estadio Ramon until the summer of 2024, but it is alleged that there is a €75m (£68m) release clause in his current deal.

According to Marca, both Liverpool and City are keen to bring the Brazilian to the Premier League in the upcoming market and are prepared to battle for his signature.

Liverpool are thought to be targeting a new centre-back to replace Dejan Lovren, while City have struggled defensively this season and are likely to improve in that area of the field ahead of next season.

Carlos has scored twice in 40 appearances at club level this season.

Juventus 'begin talks over Alexandre Lacazette deal'

© Reuters

Juventus have reportedly opened talks with the representatives of Alexandre Lacazette to discuss a potential summer deal for the Arsenal forward.

The Italian giants are allegedly keen to sign a new striker this summer to replace Gonzalo Higuain, and Lacazette's future was the subject of much speculation prior to the lockdown period.

The 29-year-old has scored three times in his last four appearances for the Gunners, though, having re-established himself as a key part of the first XI.

According to Le 10 Sport, Juve have held negotiations with the Frenchman's representatives to ascertain whether a move would be possible in this summer's transfer window.

The report claims that the Old Lady are hopeful that a new challenge would appeal to Lacazette, who is also believed to be interesting Atletico Madrid ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

The former Lyon attacker has scored 12 times in 35 outings for Mikel Arteta's side this season.

More transfer news from La Liga:

Manchester City 'refuse to pay more than £32m for Ferran Torres'
Manchester City are not prepared to pay more than £32m for Valencia attacker Ferran Torres this summer, according to a report. Read more.

Mikel Arteta 'keen to keep Dani Ceballos at Arsenal'
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is supposedly keen to secure the permanent signature of Dani Ceballos from Real Madrid. Read more.

Eden Hazard clauses to help Chelsea fund Kai Havertz deal?
Two clauses in the deal that took Eden Hazard to Real Madrid could reportedly help Chelsea fund a summer move for Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz. Read more.

Chelsea to battle Manchester City for Nicolas Tagliafico deal?
Chelsea could rival Manchester City for the signature of Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico, according to a report. Read more.

Florentino Perez rules out major summer signings at Real Madrid
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez concedes that his club will be unable to afford to make any major signings this summer. Read more.

Lionel Messi demands change across "entire club" at "weak" Barcelona
Lionel Messi says that Barcelona are "a weak team" after a 2-1 defeat at home to Osasuna conceded the La Liga title to Real Madrid. Read more.