Manuel Pellegrini plays down Manchester City link with Lionel Messi

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has stated that he is not paying attention to speculation linking Lionel Messi with a move to the club.

Reports have suggested that the Premier League side are prepared to offer the Barcelona forward £800,000 a week to lure him to England.

Pellegrini has refused to be drawn on the link with the Argentina international, who signed a new long-term deal at Camp Nou last year.

"I don't talk about rumours," the Chilean told ESPN.

"I think every manager in the world would like Lionel Messi."

Messi has scored 449 goals for Barcelona since making his debut in 2004.