Transfer Update: Messi, Griezmann, Pogba & Varane

With this transfer window already seeing some major deals go through, here is the latest on free agent Lionel Messi, Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann, Manchester United superstar Paul Pogba and Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

The 34-year-old saw his deal at Barcelona expire last month, and is, therefore, currently out of contract. It is still widely believed he will commit to a new two-year deal with the Blaugrana, although that is if the club can afford his demands. In a recent interview, president Joan Laporta stated that "everything is going well for Leo Messi's contract", but reports in Spain suggest that the financial crisis the Blaugrana are in has made things difficult. The LaLiga giants have already let go of five players permanently in this window, while more departures are expected. Barca might not be able to offer Messi a new deal without drastic changes to their current wage bill, with it being reported that none of their four new signings can be registered. 

According to reports across Europe, Barca would be open to selling the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner in this transfer window to help raise funds for Messi's new contract. Griezmann joined the Catalan giants from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for €125 million (R2.1 billion), but has failed to reach the heights expected of him. The 30-year-old has been linked with both Chelsea and Manchester City in the Premier League. 

French publication RMC Sport believe the 28-year-old midfielder could be of interest to Paris Saint-Germain, with their report claiming that the club has already approached the United player's agents. Pogba, it is said, would be open to joining the French giants in this transfer window, but it is at this point unknown how the Red Devils feel about the situation, although his contract in England does expire in June 2022. 

The French defender has been strongly linked with United in recent weeks, with reports seeming to suggest the 28-year-old is seeking a fresh challenge. While Real Madrid want to keep him, they could be resigned to losing him should an appropriate offer from the English giants arrive. According to Sky Sports, the 13-time UEFA Champions League winners have given him permission to hold discussions with the Red Devils.