Sunday's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup: Adama Traore, Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero

The January transfer window is now open, with Manchester City continuing to be linked with a host of big names.

Pep Guardiola's side have endured an inconsistent first half of the season and could look to dip their toe into the transfer market again despite a relatively big-spending summer.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Etihad.

Sunday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:

Leeds United 'eyeing January deal for Adama Traore'

© Reuters

Leeds United are reportedly weighing up a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Adama Traore.

The 24-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2019-20 campaign for Nuno Espirito Santo's side, but he has found it difficult to make his mark this season, managing just one assist and zero goals in 18 Premier League outings.

Liverpool and Manchester City have previously been linked with the former Barcelona youngster, who has a contract at Molineux until the summer of 2023.

However, according to Sport, Leeds are currently considering a January move for the Spain international, who wants regular football in the second half of the season to ensure that he is present at this summer's European Championships.

Wolves allegedly valued Traore in excess of £70m last summer, but the report claims that offers in the region of £36m could now be considered due to the attacker's troubles this term.

The Spaniard has scored eight times and registered 16 assists in 110 outings for his current club.

Joan Laporta: 'Lionel Messi wants to stay at Barcelona'

© Reuters

Lionel Messi is "happy" at Barcelona and wants to sign a new contract at Camp Nou, according to presidential candidate Joan Laporta.

The Argentina international's current deal with the Catalan giants is due to expire at the end of June, and Manchester City, as well as Paris Saint-Germain, continue to be linked with his services.

However, Laporta, who is the favourite to replace Josep Maria Bartomeu as Barca president, has insisted that the 33-year-old "will do everything in his power" to remain with the club.

"Messi is now totally focused on catching Atletico Madrid in La Liga and playing the Paris Saint-Germain tie in the Champions League," Sport quotes Laporta as saying.

"I do not know if he will be playing on Sunday [in the Spanish Super Cup final] but he will be on the bench and it is important that Leo encourage his teammates.

"I see him more and more happy, he is enjoying it. I know that he wants to stay and I know that he will do everything in his power to stay as long as the club can offer him an offer that suits him."

Messi struggled to show his best form in the early stages of the season but has managed four goals in his last two league appearances, taking his total to 14 for the season in all competitions.

Barca have postponed their presidential elections, which were due to take place on January 24, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

More transfer news from Manchester City:

Sergio Aguero 'needs to prove fitness before Manchester City offer him new deal'
Sergio Aguero must prove his fitness before Manchester City offer him a new contract, according to a report. Read more.