Daily Schmankerl: Manchester City wants Bayern Munich’s David Alaba and FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi; Leeds United eyeing Douglas Costa; Real Madrid aiming for PSG’s Kylian Mbappe or Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Braut Haaland; and MORE!

City back in hunt for Alaba (Transfer Market Web)

Manchester City is reportedly back in the running for Bayern Munich defender/midfielder David Alaba. City manager Pep Guardiola, of course, is very familiar with his former charge:

On a pre-agreement with Real Madrid, Austrian international defensive all-rounder David Alaba (28), meant to leave Bayern Munich on a free move, once current season’s over, has been targeted back by Manchester City as well. German giants young veteran and departee is tracked by Chelsea as well.

City also wants Messi (Sky)

Guardiola might not just be focused on Alaba, though. Lionel Messi is still a central figure in Manchester City’s planning and Guardiola might be ready to have talks with Messi in March or April.

Manchester City have not given up on signing Lionel Messi for free this summer, according to reports in the Daily Mail. However, Pep Guardiola will wait until March or April before making a move for the Barcelona forward.

Madrid to move on Haaland or Mbappe in summer (Sports Mole)

Real Madrid is reportedly going to make a serious run at Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe or Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland this summer:

Mbappe’s future remains up in the air with his contract at the Parc des Princes set to expire in 2022, and Liverpool have also been linked with a bid in the summer. Meanwhile, Haaland is being tipped to head to Manchester City and become Sergio Aguero’s successor, and even though he is believed to have a £68m release clause which activates in 2022, a nine-figure sum could supposedly prise him away from Dortmund this year.

According to Josep Pedrerol of El Chiringruito, Real Madrid have made it clear that they intend to land a world-class forward in the next window, and either Haaland or Mbappe will complete a move to the Spanish capital. A recent report claimed that Mbappe - who boasts 16 Ligue 1 goals this season - is willing to commit his future to PSG and hold out for a move to Real Madrid in the future. Haaland has once again been in scintillating form for Dortmund during the 2020-21 campaign with 22 goals across all competitions.

Leeds might take a run at Costa (HITC)

Leeds United might be taking a run at Douglas Costa after this season when he returns to Juventus:

According to Juve Live, Leeds are seriously considering Juventus forward Douglas Costa as a replacement for Raphinha this summer. The Italian news outlet state that the Leeds No.18 will be leaving for Liverpool once the season comes to an end. As a result, Marcelo Bielsa is keen to sign someone of a similar profile to Raphinha, and has earmarked Costa as a potential replacement.

Hertha has fun in snow training (@HerthaBSC_EN)

Hertha Berlin seems like it had a little fun in the snow during training: