Report: Lionel Messi to leave Barcelona, eyeing Premier League move

Lionel Messi has reportedly told Barcelona that he wants to leave as Premier League giants Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United plot a mega-money move.

Messi, 28, has won four Ballons d'Or during a trophy-laden 11-year stint with the Blaugrana, but the forward is said to be keen on testing himself in England.

The interest is mutual and all three English giants have already touched base with the Argentine's representatives, according to The Sun.

Messi's desire to quit the Catalans is thought to be linked with his pending tax troubles in Catalunya, with him and his father Jorge facing trial over alleged fraud amounting to £3.1m.

His contract, which is believed to have a £180m buyout clause, expires in 2018