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.

Friday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:

Manchester City 'believe they are winning Lionel Messi race'

Manchester City reportedly feel that they remain the frontrunners in the race to sign Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.

Despite missing out on the legendary forward during the summer, City are one of a number of clubs hoping to entice the Argentine into a transfer later in 2021.

The 33-year-old has less than six months left on his contract at Camp Nou, a situation which allows him to hold talks with foreign teams.

While Paris Saint-Germain have been tipped to make a move for the playmaker, The Telegraph says that City officials are unconcerned about rival interest.

City allegedly feel that they are in a position to successfully negotiate a deal with Messi, who could also be provided with a route to the MLS later in his career.

Barcelona 'considering buying MLS side to keep Lionel Messi'

Barcelona could reportedly attempt to acquire an MLS franchise in order to persuade Lionel Messi to stay on at Catalonia.

While Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are regarded as the favourites for the Argentine's signature, he has confirmed that he would like to play in the United States before he hangs up his boots.

Messi can now begin talks with other clubs after entering the final six months of his Camp Nou deal, and Barca presidential candidate Agusti Benedito cannot see the six-time Ballon d'Or winner staying on in Catalonia past the summer.

However, AS claims that Barca will look to use Messi's interest in the MLS to their advantage by buying an American club - an initiative proposed by presidential hopeful Xavi Vilajoana.

The report claims that La Blaugrana would allow Messi to join their affiliate MLS side when he calls time on his Camp Nou career, but given the uncertain financial situation at the club, such a plan is unlikely to come to fruition.

David Beckham's Inter Miami have been tipped to reunite Messi with former Barcelona attacker Luis Suarez in a couple of years' time.

More transfer news from Manchester City:

Barcelona presidential candidate expects Lionel Messi exit this summer
Barcelona presidential candidate Agusti Benedito admits that he is pessimistic about the club's chances of tying Lionel Messi down to a new contract. Read more.

Liverpool 'join race for Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos'
Liverpool join the race for Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, according to a report. Read more.

Aston Villa 'to turn down any January bids for Jack Grealish'
Aston Villa will reportedly not entertain any January offers for Jack Grealish, who continues to be linked with Manchester United. Read more.

Man City closing in on Estudiantes winger Dario Sarmiento?
Manchester City are reportedly close to finalising a deal for £17m-rated Estudiantes starlet Dario Sarmiento, but his arrival will have to wait until the summer. Read more.