Report: Chelsea contact Lionel Messi's father regarding transfer

Chelsea have reportedly ramped up their pursuit of Barcelona star Lionel Messi by contacting his father Jorge.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner has been linked with the Premier League heavyweights in recent weeks, amid reports that Messi is unhappy with Barca boss Luis Enrique.

According to Spanish radio station RAC1, Chelsea executives have reached out to Messi's father as well as a number of representatives to discuss the possibility of the Argentine superstar moving to Stamford Bridge.

Reports have claimed that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is willing to bid £200m to seal the signature of the 27-year-old forward.

It is believed that Messi grew frustrated with Enrique after he was dropped to the bench for last weekend's 1-0 defeat to David Moyes's Real Sociedad.