Senior Barcelona figures 'expect Lionel Messi to join Manchester City'

Barcelona reportedly expect Lionel Messi to eventually join Manchester City during the summer transfer window.

Despite the 33-year-old expressing a desire to leave Camp Nou, it remains unclear whether the Catalan giants are prepared to negotiate a deal with any one of a number of interested parties.

However, with doubts emerging over the validity of a previous release clause and Messi's contract expiring in 2021, the La Liga runners-up may have to take any offers into consideration.

According to The Telegraph, senior figures at Barcelona would be surprised if the Argentine did not link up with Pep Guardiola at Man City.

With the player said to be keen on a reunion with his former boss, attention is seemingly being turned to potential replacements.

Although plans were shelved regarding Lautaro Martinez earlier this summer, it is claimed that Barcelona could now launch a bid for the Inter Milan frontman.