Manchester City are reportedly ready to offload all-time record goalscorer Sergio Aguero next summer in order to create room for Lionel Messi to join.
Aguero is now in the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and has struggled with injuries of late, failing to make a single appearance since June due to a knee problem.
Inter Milan have been credited with an interest in the Argentine, and The Mirror reports that Man City would be willing to let him leave without a fight if they replace him with compatriot Messi.
Messi's future is again expected to be the subject of intense speculation ahead of next summer, having failed in his attempts to force a free transfer from Barcelona in the window just passed.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner will be available on a free transfer in 2021, though, and Man City have already confirmed that they are considering an approach.
A bitter contractual dispute with the Barcelona board means that Messi is unlikely to sign an extension as things stand, seemingly paving the way for a reunion with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.
Aguero has scored 254 goals in 370 games for Man City, while Messi has scored 635 goals in 734 Barcelona outings.
Barney Corkhill
