Spanish second-division side Eldense say Argentina great Lionel Messi has reached a “preliminary agreement” to become the club’s majority shareholder.

Eldense will become the second Spanish club Messi has invested in, having bought Catalan side Cornella in April.

The 39-year-old former Barcelona forward currently plays for Inter Miami and recently retired from international football after Argentina were beaten 1-0 by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

Eldense said: “A preliminary agreement has been reached with Lionel Messi for the acquisition of the shares currently owned by Grupo TH Soluciones, which would make him the club’s majority shareholder.

“The transaction is currently subject to the completion of the remaining legal and contractual procedures, including the due diligence process, as well as the required authorisation from the Spanish National Sports Council (CSD).”

The club, based in Alicante, have two points from four games this season and, sitting 20th in La Liga 2, parted ways with head coach Claudio Barragan earlier this week.

Cornella are in the fifth tier of Spanish football and in April said Messi’s ownership “reinforces his close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia”.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has opened up on the club’s failed attempt to sign Rodri, revealing that the Spain international’s doubts about moving to the Santiago Bernabéu eventually created uncertainty within the Madrid camp.

Rodri, regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, had emerged as a major target for Real Madrid after an outstanding spell at Manchester City.

However, despite reportedly holding advanced discussions with the Spanish giants, the 30-year-old ultimately opted to join Real Madrid’s biggest domestic rivals, Barcelona.

Mourinho was particularly direct when asked why Real Madrid’s pursuit of Rodri ultimately collapsed.

The Portuguese manager believes that representing Real Madrid requires an immediate commitment from a player, arguing that anyone who receives an offer from the club should already know their answer.

“Real Madrid cannot have players who think twice,” Mourinho said.

He explained the mentality he believes a player should have when allowed to join the Spanish giants.

He added, “You get the call and say: ‘When do you want me there?’”

Mourinho stressed that Real Madrid’s stature creates a different set of expectations for potential signings.

“Rodri is an extraordinary player, but Real Madrid is a different dimension,” he explained.

Mourinho also revealed that he had personally spoken with Rodri on several occasions during the process.

He added, “I personally spoke to Rodri a couple of times. Real Madrid made him an important proposal. But then… Rodri had doubts. His doubts created doubts in me about signing him.”

Chelsea are prepared to sell their Argentine star and they have set a price tag.

Chelsea have placed a €50 million valuation on Alejandro Garnacho, with the Argentina international winger linked with a departure from Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the West London club have established a dual-pricing structure for the 22-year-old. If a Premier League rival expresses interest, Chelsea will demand a £45 million fee. However, the club are willing to accept a slightly lower figure of around €50 million (£42.6 million) from foreign clubs.

Garnacho is not in the plans of newly appointed manager Xabi Alonso. The winger failed to report for the first day of pre-season training, staying away to actively explore an exit strategy alongside his representatives.

The impending transfer concludes a 12-month tenure in West London. Garnacho originally joined Chelsea from Manchester United in the summer of 2025 for a reported €46.2 million (£39.4 million) fee. He signed a long-term contract tying him to the club until June 30, 2032.

Despite the financial investment, he never established himself in the starting lineup. During the 2025/26 season, he registered eight goals and four assists across 43 appearances in all competitions. His domestic output was poor, starting just 14 Premier League matches and three in the UEFA Champions League and scoring only one league goal throughout the campaign