Tuesday's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup: Lautaro Martinez, Lionel Messi, Kalidou Koulibaly

The summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Manchester City eye possible reinforcements.

The 2018-19 champions did not bring in a single player during the January transfer window, despite suffering a defensive shortage for much of the 2019-20 campaign, but they have already started their business for the summer.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Etihad.

Tuesday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:

Ronald Koeman 'draws up three-man Barcelona wishlist'

© Reuters

New Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has reportedly identified Lautaro Martinez, Eric Garcia and Jose Gaya as three priority transfer targets during the summer window.

Koeman took over as Barca boss last week and is expected to oversee a period of change during his first transfer window as the club look to rebuild following their Champions League humiliation at the hands of Bayern Munich.

A number of key players have been linked with moves away from the club, and Sport reports that offloading some of the higher earners remains Barcelona's first priority.

However, after that Koeman has reportedly targeted a new central defender, a new left-back and a new striker.

Inter Milan striker Martinez, who has been heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou for a number of months now, would be the most expensive of those with Barca hopeful of striking a deal worth €65m (£58.7m) with players included on top of that.

Manchester City's Eric Garcia, who came through the ranks at Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, is expected to be significantly cheaper having entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and already indicated that he will not renew.

Koeman is also thought to want Valencia's Jose Gaya, although his €50m (£45.1m) release clause could prove to be a sticking point in negotiations.

Ronald Koeman 'to be handed total control of Barcelona transfers'

© Reuters

Ronald Koeman will reportedly be given total freedom to sign the players he wants as part of this summer's overhaul at Barcelona.

The Dutchman was appointed as Quique Setien's successor on a two-year deal last week and has been tasked with rebuilding Barca on the back of a disastrous campaign.

All but eight players are believed to have been put up for sale by the Catalan giants, while the future of star man Lionel Messi also remains unclear.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, however, Koeman will have the final say on who leaves and who arrives at Camp Nou over the next couple of months.

Koeman is said to have set his sights on three players - Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez, Manchester City centre-back Eric Garcia and Valencia left-back Jose Gaya.

Barca finished the 2019-20 campaign trophyless - the first time that has happened since 2008.

More transfer news from Manchester City:

Manchester City 'assessing possibility of signing Lionel Messi'
Manchester City are reportedly looking at ways to table a bid for Barcelona captain Lionel Messi without violating any Financial Fair Play regulations. Read more.

Napoli 'open to Manchester City talks for Kalidou Koulibaly'
Napoli are ready to conclude a deal to sell highly-rated defender Kalidou Koulibaly to Manchester City, according to a report. Read more.