Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea will "split the cost of a private jet to get their Brazilian players back early for this weekend's Premier League fixtures." Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, who have been "instrumental in helping Liverpool reach the top of the table," are in Peru for a World Cup qualifier along with, among others, Man City midfielder Fernandinho and Chelsea winger Willian. The three clubs will contribute £30,000 ($37,380) each "for the hire of a Gulfstream Jet that will be waiting to leave after kickoff." Paris St. Germain will "also make a similar contribution to get Brazil captain Thiago Silva back ahead of schedule" (London DAILY MAIL, 11/14).
AC Milan has confirmed dates for the "official conclusion of takeover negotiations with a consortium of Chinese investors." The sale of the club by Silvio Berlusconi's Fininvest group, which has been owners for over 30 years, "will officially go through on Dec. 2 or Dec. 13 at the latest." Dec. 13 has been penciled in as a "reserve date should all the necessary paperwork and documentation not be signed off in time for the first scheduled meeting of shareholders" (ESPN.com, 11/15).
Following claims that Lionel Messi will turn down a contract renewal at Barcelona, Pep Guardiola’s Man City continues to be "sensationally linked to the Argentine." If reports from Spain are correct, Barcelona "will need to sell the 29-year-old before his existing contract runs out in 18 months’ time" -- otherwise the club is "at risk of losing him for nothing." Man City has "emerged as leading suitors" and the club reportedly believes it "will be able to lure Messi to the Etihad Stadium should the player decide to part ways with Barcelona" (London INDEPENDENT, 11/15).
