Agent of Messi sparks transfer rumors

The transfer rumour mill continues to turn, with Lionel Messi, Victor Valdes, Nemanja Matic and Blaise Matuidi among those linked with a move away from their clubs ahead of their new season.

Messi tops the list, with Chelsea reportedly interested in taking the Argentina star from Barcelona, but what is the likelihood of today's biggest rumours coming true?

Chelsea move for Messi

Messi's father and agent Jorge has reportedly been spotted meeting with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich on his super-yacht, but a move from Barcelona looks extremely unlikely.

The 29-year-old is at the peak of his powers and recently announced his retirement from international football after Argentina lost the Copa America final on penalties to Chile for the second year in a row, which could extend his club career.

Messi - who was this week given a prison sentence after being found guilty of tax fraud - may be open to a move as it would give him a fresh start, with new Chelsea coach Antonio Conte looking to build a squad that could challenge for the Premier League title in his first season at the club.

However, even if Chelsea were to offer a fee in excess of £100 million, this may not be enough to tempt Barcelona into a sale, with the player likely to remain at the Nou Camp, at least for now.

Likelihood: 3/10

Matuidi to Manchester United?

A much more likely move is Blaise Matuidi to Manchester United, with new Old Trafford manager Jose Mourinho interested in a swap deal involving Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger.

With Paul Pogba likely out of United's price range, with Juventus demanding a world-record fee for the France international midfielder, a back-up option is required and Schweinsteiger has struggled to make an impact in the club since his arrival.

Former Sevilla manager Unai Emery is reportedly open to allowing Matuidi to leave Paris Saint-Germain, with a fee of £20 million plus Schweinsteiger likely to be enough to do the deal.

Likelihood: 7/10

Middlesbrough to sign Valdes?

Middlesbrough are trying to sign a new goalkeeper, with former Barcelona man Victor Valdes reportedly close to joining the Premier League new boys.

Valdes is a free agent after suffering a difficult two-year spell at Manchester United, in which he acted as back-up for his fellow Spaniard David de Gea. 

A medical is scheduled for Valdes and assuming he passes it, Boro should seal the deal soon.

Likelihood: 9/10

Juventus want Chelsea's Matic

Despite a string of Serie A titles, Juventus are still looking to strengthen as they target the Champions League title, with Chelsea's defensive midfielder Nemanja Matic a top target.

An offer of around £17.5 million is expected to be made by Juve, but Chelsea are waiting to seal the signings of N'Golo Kante and Radja Nainggolan before allowing the Serb to leave the club.

Juventus appear to be planning ahead for the potential loss of Pogba by bringing in Matic, with the France international reportedly wanted by both Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Likelihood: 5/10