Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for all the latest transfer news on Lionel Messi, with the forward’s move to Saudi Arabia a ‘done deal’.

Kieran Lynch

Host commentator

11:43

What will Messi’s lifestyle be like in Saudi?

Messi already has ties to the country. Last year, he agreed to a £25m-a-year deal to work as a tourism ambassador for the Saudis.

His visit with wife Antonella and their children Mateo, seven, and Ciro, five, last week saw them pose for a set of nice promotional pictures which the Saudis no doubt plan to use in their holiday brochures.

There were snaps of Messi with a falcon perched on his arm, playing board game Carrom, of the family learning the local craft of palm-weaving and everyone playing arcade games at a Riyadh amusement park.

Trips to the petting zoo or excursions to Diriyah could become regular occurrences when they live in the kingdom and for an idea of the lifestyle, he only has to look at Ronaldo.

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What Messi’s lifestyle will look like with Saudi transfer ‘done’?

As Saudi Arabia continues to make power plays to establish itself as a global sports hub, the prospect of the two greatest players of their generation going head-to-head in Riyadh is a mouth-watering one.

Mail Online

11:33

Tottenham ‘interested in signing £20m Liverpool keeper’

Away from Messi, Tottenham are said to be eyeing up a move for Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

Reds No 2 Kelleher has only made 20 appearances in all competitions, including just four in the Premier League, for the club in his five years at Anfield.

The 24-year-old is under contract until 2026 but it is thought that Liverpool would be willing to sell up if they receive their asking price of around £20million.

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Tottenham ‘keen on £20m Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher’

Reds No 2 Kelleher has only made 20 appearances in all competitions, including just four in the Premier League, for the club in his five years at Anfield, but is highly rated by the club.

Mail Online

11:12

‘Done deal’ comes despite wife’s reported reluctance

The latest news comes despite reports from L’Equipe that Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo was reluctant over the move to Saudi Arabia.

Together they have three young sons – Thiago, 10, Mateo, 7, and Ciro, 5.

But despite both Messi and his wife reportedly preferring to stay in Europe it looks like they will have to get used to life in Saudi Arabia in the upcoming years.

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Lionel Messi’s move to Saudi Arabia a ‘DONE DEAL’

Lionel Messi leaving Paris Saint-Germain this summer to play in Saudi Arabia is a ‘done deal’, according to reports. More to follow…

Mail Online

10:57

Saudi source labels Messi transfer as ‘huge’

So it looks like we could see a renewal of the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo next season.

Saudi source close to the negotiations, as per AFP, confirmed on Tuesday morning that Messi will be playing in Saudi next season, labelling the transfer as ‘huge’.

Messi himself would still prefer to stay in Europe and it has been said that he is keeping an eye on the financial situation at former club Barcelona.

But it now appears he has closed the door on a return to Spain.

Messi recently visited Saudi Arabia as part of his role as tourism ambassador in the Gulf nation

10:32

Lionel Messi’s move to Saudi Arabia is a ‘DONE DEAL’

Lionel Messi leaving Paris Saint-Germain this summer to play in Saudi Arabia is a ‘done deal’, according to reports.

Messi, widely seen as the world’s best footballer, will sign a massive contract worth £522million at Saudi side Al-Hilal.

The move will see him reignite his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Hilal’s rivals Al-Nassr in the Gulf state.

READ MORE BELOW

Lionel Messi’s move to Saudi Arabia a ‘DONE DEAL’

Lionel Messi leaving Paris Saint-Germain this summer to play in Saudi Arabia is a ‘done deal’, according to reports. More to follow…

Mail Online

10:04

Granit Xhaka ‘offered the chance to join Bayer Leverkusen’

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has reportedly been offered the chance to join Bayer Leverkusen.

Reports have suggested that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will not stand in Xhaka’s way if he wants to depart.

Xhaka has been a key player for the Gunners this season as they have exceeded expectations by challenging for the Premier League title.

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Arsenal midfielder Xhaka ‘offered the chance to join Bayer Leverkusen’

According to The Sun, Mikel Arteta will not stand in Xhaka’s way if he wants to depart. if he was to remain at Arsenal next season then the midfielder wouldn’t be guaranteed a regular starting berth

Mail Online

09:39

Messi’s wife reluctant over move to Saudi Arabia

Any desire Lionel Messi might have in moving to Saudi Arabia could be impacted by his wife who is reportedly hesitant about the family moving to the Gulf state.

The Argentine World Cup winner has an offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, in which he could earn contract worth a staggering £522m.

However his wife Antonela Roccuzzo might have a big say in whether he makes the move to Saudi Arabia.

READ MORE BELOW

REVEALED: Messi’s wife Antonela ‘can’t imagine’ moving to Saudi Arabia

Any desire Lionel Messi might have in moving to Saudi Arabia could be impacted by his wife who reportedly is hesitant about the family moving to the Gulf state.

Mail Online

09:22

West Ham are prepared to sell Declan Rice this summer

Big news which alert the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United is that West Ham are prepared to sell Declan Rice.

The Hammers though will only sell their captain if they receive a suitable offer and the England international is said to be worth around £100m.

His contract expires in 2024, though the Hammers can trigger a one-year extension.

West Ham are prepared to sell Declan Rice this summer

KIERAN GILL: Rice, 24, agreed to stay this season to help lead the team in the wake of Mark Noble’s retirement, but the club could not convince him to remain longer.

Mail Online

09:15

Good morning

And welcome all to Mail Sport’s live transfer news blog, providing you all the stories about potential moves that could go down this summer.

The season might not be over and there might be some time before the window formally opens, but clubs are already exploring potential options for this summer with one eye on next season.

We will be bringing you updates on the likes of Lionel Messi, Harry Kane and Declan Rice, as well as other players who could be set for a switch this summer.

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