Today Gossip column: Messi ,Sterling, De Gea, Cech, Beckham, Wenger

Lionel Messi transfer news: Barcelona admit Messi could leave if Manchester City or PSG.......

came calling because 'strange things happen'

Barcelona have re-ignited talk of a Lionel Messi departure after one of the club’s directors admitted they would not be able to match an big-money offer from a free-spending club.

Messi’s future came into question more than ever during the January transfer window as reports linked the Argentina international with a move to the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

However, the 27-year-old denied that leaving the Nou Camp is on the cards, only to perform a dramatic U-turn at the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony where he admitted he does not know where he’ll be playing next season.

Raheem Sterling:

Manchester City are preparing a £40m bid for Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling, 20, but the Anfield club remain determined to keep the player.

City will offer Sterling a wage of up to £200,000 a week to convince him to sign, as the club seeks to increase their quota of English players

Sterling's agent says reports that his client wants to leave Liverpool have been "somewhat blown out of proportion" ahead of talks with manager Brendan Rodgers and chief executive Ian Eyres on Friday.

Chelsea are prepared to sell winger Juan Cuadrado, 26, and attacking midfielder Oscar, 23, to raise funds for a rival bid for Sterling.

Manchester United will offer goalkeeper David De Gea a new contract worth up to £250,000 a week to convince the 24-year-old to commit to the club amid interest from Real Madrid

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, 32, has emerged as a possible replacement for De Gea should the Spaniard leave.
Cech's agent says his client would "definitely" like to join one of Arsenal, Manchester United or Paris Saint-Germain.
United are also considering Ajax and Netherlands goalkeeper Jesper Cillessen, 26, as a possible replacement.

Arsene Wenger remains in the market for a defensive midfielder but praised 24-year-old Francis Coquelin for his impact in the role since returning from a loan spell at Charlton. The Arsenal manager jokingly apologised for the fact Coquelin "did not cost any money".

West Brom will offer to make 21-year-old forward Saido Berahino one of the club's top earners when contract talks open at the end of the season.