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:

Real Madrid 'close to agreeing four-year David Alaba deal'

Real Madrid have reportedly emerged as the clear favourites to sign Bayern Munich defender David Alaba.

Despite remaining as a key player at the Allianz Arena, the Austria international has less than six months remaining on his contract.

The versatile 28-year-old is now in a position where he can hold discussions with any foreign clubs who are interested in his signature.

However, Marca claims that Real are now regarded as the frontrunners after offering Alaba a contract until the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

Los Blancos manager Zinedine Zidane is said to have given his blessing to a deal being negotiated with the player.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona have also been linked with the long-serving Bayern man.

Lionel Messi free to discuss Barcelona exit

Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi is free to begin talks with other clubs after entering the final six months of his deal at Camp Nou.

The Argentine remains a key player for the Blaugrana at the age of 33, but his future in Catalonia remains uncertain after trying but failing to force a move away in the summer.

Messi is still expected to leave as he runs down the final few months of his Barcelona deal, with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain regarded as the favourites for his signature.

With the six-time Ballon d'Or winner set to become a free agent in July, he can now negotiate and sign a pre-contractual agreement with another club ahead of a possible summer move.

However, Messi is reportedly waiting until a new president assumes office in Barcelona before making any decisions on his future, with the election set to be held on January 24.

One of the frontrunners for the Barcelona presidency, Joan Laporta, has expressed optimism about the club's chances of keeping Messi on the books past the summer.

The attacker has already hit double figures for the campaign in all competitions and broke Pele's club goalscoring record with his 644th Barcelona goal in December.

More transfer news from Manchester City:

Mino Raiola rejects Erling Braut Haaland to Barcelona reports
Barcelona have not already agreed a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland, insists his agent Mino Raiola. Read more.

Pep Guardiola 'in constant contact with Lionel Messi'
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is in 'constant contact' with Barcelona's Lionel Messi, according to a report. Read more.