Lionel Messi's representatives have reportedly made contact with a number of clubs including Manchester United and Chelsea to gauge their interest in signing the Barcelona captain.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner will be out of contract at Camp Nou this summer, and his future beyond that remains unclear following another disappointing campaign for Barcelona.
Messi attempted to leave the club last year, only to be forced into a U-turn against his will, but a change in presidency has increased the possibility of him choosing to stay.
However, Barcelona suffered another chastening Champions League exit in 2020-21 and are now guaranteed to finish outside the top two in La Liga for the first time since 2007-08 following their seventh league defeat of the season at the weekend.
The Manchester Evening News reports that Barcelona have offered Messi fresh terms on a significantly reduced wage due to the financial troubles exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.
The 33-year-old has not yet ruled out staying with the club he has represented his entire career, but the report claims that his representatives have begun reaching out to clubs in order to explore his options.
Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are understood to be leading the race for his signature given the enormous financial outlay it would take to sign Messi, even without a transfer fee.
However, the report claims that Manchester United and Chelsea have also been approached to determine whether they would be interested in the Argentine icon.
Man United are expected to pass up the opportunity due to their transfer priorities lying elsewhere.
Barney Corkhill
