Welcome to ESPN's Insider Notebook, featuring contributions from our reporters across the top leagues around the world.
In this edition, there's reaction from Barcelona's bitter rivals on Lionel Messi's shock news. Plus: Sadio Mane could have joined Manchester United ... but for Louis van Gaal.
Jump to: Mane rejected United over LVG | Messi more popular than coronavirus | Koeman hands Barca trio a second chance | McKennie's Juve move a boost for profile | Reguilon in limbo but Premier League clubs watch on | Boga in demand
Real Madrid players 'incredulous' at Messi exit talk
Real Madrid's players were stunned by Lionel Messi's request to leave rivals Barcelona, sources close to the dressing room have told ESPN, with a frantic bout of WhatsApp messaging following as they, like the rest of the football world, came to terms with the week's shock news.