Transfer Talk: Villa set to hand Scott Sinclair career lifeline

David De Gea only has a year and a half left on his Old Trafford contract

Lionel Messi heads the transfer talk today but the most interesting story is about Scott Sinclair, who has been a peripheral figure at best at Manchester City. 

Chelsea are reportedly looking to make the most of Lionel Messi's current situation at Barcelona by matching his 200m buy-out clause.

The Argentine maestro is believed to have fallen out with boss Luis Enrique after being left out of the starting line-up for the Sunday's defeat to Real Sociedad and questions are being asked whether or not he could be looking to leave the Nou Camp.

Chelsea have been constantly linked with him since the turn of the year and despite Jose Mourinho himself questioning the deal, they are one of the few clubs who could possibly afford him due to owner Roman Abramovich's famously deep pockets.

The Daily Star says the Blues are now considering a summer bid, with a six-year contract thought to be on the cards should the 27-year-old decide to move to Stamford Bridge.

Moving on, the Daily Express says Manchester United have made a bid for defender Mats Hummels, although his club Borussia Dortmund insist they won't sell him.

Despite winning the World Cup in the summer with Germany, the defender hasn't been able to halt his side's surprise slide down the Bundesliga standings and they will resume the new year in the midst of a relegation battle.

Senior figures at United have long admired the 26-year-old and are now believed to have made a bid, although Dortmund have made it clear they're unlikely to sell.

Staying with United and the club are expected to try and speed up David De Gea's contract talks, despite looking set to sign free agent Victor Valdes.

De Gea only has 18 months left on his current deal and the Daily Mail say the Red Devils are keen to tie him down amid rumours linking him with a possible move back to Real Madrid.

Looking down the table, Aston Villa are planning to hand Scott Sinclair a January lifeline by signing him from Manchester City, courtesy of Sky Sports.

The winger appeared to have the world at his feet when he moved to the Etihad in 2012 but he has lost his way completely since then, enduring a disappointing spell on loan at West Brom last term.

Villa are now willing to meet City's asking price of 2.5million and Sinclair is likely to welcome the chance to leave.

Finally, the BBC say LA Galaxy president Chris Klein has rejected speculation Steven Gerrard could be loaned to a European club in the MLS off-season.

A number of America-based players have returned to Europe for competitive football in the winter months in recent years but Klein says any possible deal involving the former England captain is unlikely as it has "never been discussed".