Manchester City are exploring the possibility of a shock swoop for Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi, according to a report.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner is yet to extend his current deal at Camp Nou, which runs out in 2021, and speculation has been rife regarding his future in recent months.
Barca endured a turbulent 2019-20 campaign and recently welcomed Ronald Koeman to the Camp Nou dugout as Quique Setien's successor, and there is expected to be a significant reshuffle in Catalonia ahead of the new season.
While Barcelona will supposedly rebuff any attempts to prise their captain away from La Liga, ESPN reports that Man City are weighing up methods to sign Messi without infringing Financial Fair Play regulations.
The report claims that the 33-year-old is open to a departure if he does not agree with the direction that the club is heading in, and if Messi does decide to seek pastures new, Barca would sanction a sale in order to finance an overhaul of the rest of the squad.
Champions League finalists Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be keeping a close eye on the situation.
Ben Knapton
