Manchester United are reportedly one of six clubs considering a move for Lionel Messi following the Argentine's request to leave Barcelona.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner is understood to have informed the club of his intention to leave this summer, sparking a potential legal battle over a clause in his contract.
Messi believes that he should be allowed to leave on a free transfer due to a clause which expired in June but could have been extended in line with the prolonged season due to coronavirus.
Even if the 33-year-old is available for free, only a select few clubs in world football could afford his wages - thought to be at least £500,000 per week - and The Mirror reports that Manchester United are one of those.
The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a big-money bid for Jadon Sancho throughout recent months and are known to be interested in a right winger, meaning that Messi's bombshell could alter their transfer plans.
However, local rivals Manchester City have been installed as the favourites to sign the Argentina international due to the presence of Pep Guardiola at the club.
Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Chelsea have also been linked, while a possible switch to Juventus to join up with perennial rival Cristiano Ronaldo has also been touted.
Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, having scored 634 goals in 731 games for Barcelona.
Barney Corkhill
