Barcelona forked out fees in excess of 100 million euros ($109.24 million) for Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele between 2017-19, but the club's financial issues mean they are unlikely to splurge on big new signings anytime soon.

Phil Foden and Erling Haaland struck inside the first 15 minutes as City extended their perfect start in the Premier League to six games

Messi, who recently left Paris Saint-Germain for Inter Miami, is in with a chance of succeeding Karim Benzema and winning the Ballon d'Or for the eighth time in his remarkable career after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar last year

The Norwegian's 52-goal campaign helped City win the treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup in his first season at the club.

Julian Alvarez and Nathan Ake opened the scoring for the champions, who have beaten Fulham in their last 15 league meetings and now top the table with a perfect 12 points from four games. Fulham, who scored an early equaliser through Tim Ream before being overrun, have four points from their four games.

Norway striker Haaland scored 52 goals in 53 games to help City win the treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup, while Bonmati inspired Spain to World Cup glory earlier this month.

"You should try and tape your mouth. I sleep with it. Doing a lot of things is not good but doing small things every single day for a longer period really pays off."

Haaland drove a first half spot-kick against the post before his header put City in front after the break at Bramall Lane

The trio emerged as the leading vote-getters from a jury comprised of coaches of clubs in UEFA competitions, those in charge of European national teams and a select group of journalists

Haaland, 22, has scored 36 goals in 35 games this season, breaking the previous record of 34 in a single Premier League campaign shared by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer that had stood for nearly three decades

Pep Guardiola's men move four points clear of Arsenal, who are in action later at home to Brighton, with three games remaining for both sides

 Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola believes Erling Haaland is not at his best and can get even better despite the Norwegian becoming the fastest player to reach 20 goals in Premier League history during his side's 3-1 win at Leeds United.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he is unsure if star striker Erling Haaland will miss this weekend's match at Leicester, after the Norwegian was substituted with injury against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hailed Erling Haaland as one of the best strikers he has worked with and said the numbers speak for themselves as the Norwegian striker continues his astonishing start to life in England.

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said Monday the team cannot rely on Erling Haaland to single-handedly win them the Champions League this season following his remarkable start to life in England.

The two most expensive players in the world were unable to outshine the prolific Erling Braut Haaland as the Norwegian sensation continues his remarkable rise by scoring both goals in Borussia Dortmund's 2-1 defeat of Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League first-leg encounter