Lionel Messi would love to return to Barcelona this summer, according to his father Jorge Messi.

Despite being caught on camera entering the home of Barcelona president Joan Laporta on Monday morning, Jorge Messi denied said meeting but told reporters: "Of course, he [Messi] would love to return to Barcelona. I would like it too. We will see."

Asked if he had spoken to Laporta about how Barca could finance Messi's return, Jorge Messi said: "We spoke the other day, but there's nothing concrete."

Liverpool are closing in on a deal with Brighton for Alexis Mac Allister.

Mac Allister was signed by Brighton from Argentinos Juniors in 2019, is available for a fee of around £50 million due to a release clause within the new contract he signed with the club in October 2022.

Liverpool have made the recruitment of at least two midfielders their priority this summer following the departures of Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has announced his retirement from soccer at the age of 41.

"Even my family didn't know, because I wanted that when I announced it everyone heard it at the same time," he said.

Ibrahimovic scored 93 goals in 163 appearances over two spells at Milan. He returned in January 2020 and helped Milan win the Serie A title last year.

Ibrahimovic had struggled with injuries and only made four appearances this season for Milan, after undergoing a knee operation last year.

"I have so many memories and emotions inside this stadium," he said. "The first time I arrived you gave me happiness, the second time you gave me love.

"I want to thank my family. I want to thank my second family: the players. I want to thank the coach and his staff for the responsibility, I want to thank the directors for the opportunity. Last but not least, from my heart, I want to thank you fans."

Real Madrid have identified Harry Kane as their preferred target to replace Karim Benzema. 

Real Madrid had planned to pursue Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe in 2024.

Roberto Firmino, who is available on a free transfer after his contract expired at Liverpool and Chelsea's Kai Havertz have both been linked to Madrid, but club sources admit that Kane is the only available forward who has consistently scored the requisite number of goals, year after year.

Madrid are aware that a fee of around €100 million would be required to land Kane.

Manchester United are considered the favorites to sign Mason Mount away from Chelsea. 

Mount's existing deal expires next summer and Chelsea would rather sell him now than lose him for nothing in 2024.

One source suggested Chelsea's asking price is as high as £60 million for Mount.

Liverpool and Manchester City have also been linked with Mount.

Karim Benzema will leave Real Madrid this summer to join Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.

Benzema was offered a two-year deal worth €400 million to move to Saudi Arabia in January.

Benzema spent 14 seasons with Real Madrid, becoming the club's second-highest goal scorer and winning five Champions Leagues, four La Liga titles and the 2022 Ballon d'Or.

Paris Saint-Germain has confirmed Lionel Messi will leave the club this summer after two seasons.

Christophe Galter told a news conference ahead of PSG's final Ligue 1 match of the season against Clermont Foot: "I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football. This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes.

"This year, he has been an important part of the team, always available. I don't think any of the comments or criticisms are justified. He's always been there for the team. It's been a great privilege to accompany him throughout the season."

Messi has been linked with either a move to Saudi Arabia or Inter Miami.

Jose Mourinho admitted he has an uncertain future with Roma amid links to Paris Saint-Germain.

"I have to fight for these lads and therefore not say objectively that I will remain," Mourinho, whose side was tied 1-1 with Sevilla after extra time, told Sky Sports Italia. "I spoke to the club in December when I had that approach from the Portuguese national team.

"I have not had any contact with anyone else since then. I have a year left on my contract and this is the situation."

Manchester City are in talks to sign Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea. 

Kovacic has one season remaining on his contract with Chelsea and there have been no discussions on an extension. Chelsea are thought to be willing to sell for a fee in the region of £35 million.

Kovacic joined Chelsea from Real Madrid in 2018.

Lionel Messi and Xavi have been in contact about a potential return to Barcelona. Messi left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain two years ago and is now a free agent.

"In terms of what I am in charge of, the football side of things, there are no doubts that if Messi comes back he is going to help us," Xavi told Diario Sport when asked if Messi returning would make sense.

"I have made that clear to the president. I don't have a single doubt about that because he is still a difference-maker, he is still hungry, he's a winner and he is a leader.

"We don't have a team with the talent of 2010, for example, and what does Messi bring? He brings talent. He is capable of providing the final pass, taking free kicks, scoring goals. He is a differential player in the final third.

"For that reason, and for how I want to play, for me there is no doubt that he would add a lot. But it depends on him."

Messi has also received interest from Saudi Arabia and Inter Miami.