The big news: Messi to leave Catalans?

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has reportedly rejected a new deal at Barcelona and is ready to see out his contract with the La Liga champions, according to reports in Spain. Messi’s ongoing dispute with Spanish tax authorities is the main reason behind his decision, according to Madrid-based newspaper Marca.

Messi has reportedly informed Barcelona of his intention to see out his current contract, but will not renew it. He made the decision during a holiday in July with his family. In an exclusive interview to the Telegraph in October, Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu had appeared confident of retaining Messi.

Other top stories

  1. Manchester United’s Memphis Depay is open to joining Everton in January as his exit looks inevitable, reported Goal. Everton manager Ronald Koeman wants the winger at Goodison Park and has been vocal about it. Depay has been linked with the Merseysiders in recent days and Koeman’s admiration for the striker adds fuel to the fire.
  2. Manchester United’s Bastian Schweinsteiger seems to be heading to Major League Soccer, after reports emerged that he met Chicago Fire for a potential transfer in January. Schweinsteiger has been allowed to negotiate potential moves, reported the BBC.
  3. Chennaiyin FC will face Pune City at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday. Marco Materazzi’s men have lost two matches on the trot and will hope to find their winning touch against Pune City at home. 
  4. Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann may not feature in Saturday’s derby against Real Madrid owing to injury. Griezmann had injured his left foot during France’s match against Sweden. Griezmann has returned to Madrid and will miss the France friendly against Ivory Coast on Tuesday.
  5. Former England and Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is set to leave MLS side New York City. Lampard, whose contract expires at the end of the year, wrote on a social networking site that his time at the club had “come to an end”. He said he will reveal “the next stage” of his career “very soon”. Lampard scored 15 goals in 31 appearances for New York till date.
  6. Wayne Rooney will not captain England against Spain owing to injury, according to media reports. Midfielder Jordan Henderson will captain the side as Rooney will not feature in the starting line-up. Rooney missed training on Monday with a minor injury.