Pundit Graeme Souness has claimed that Barcelona forward Lionel Messi could "easily" end up at Manchester United this summer.
Despite his status at Camp Nou, Messi's future remains a constant topic for debate at a time when Barcelona are struggling both on and off the pitch.
With less than a year remaining on his contract at the Catalan giants, the likes of Manchester City and Inter Milan have been linked with approaches for the 33-year-old.
However, Souness feels that United may also take the opportunity to throw their hat into the ring for the Argentina international.
Referring to Barcelona's 8-2 defeat against Bayern Munich on Friday night, Souness told The Times: "Lionel Messi looked like a man who has had enough of carrying that team. Without him they wouldn't even be good enough to qualify for the Champions League.
"This would be the perfect week to put a bid in for the 33-year-old Argentinian and I could easily see him playing in Manchester - at either United or City."
Barcelona are currently in a position where they will have to make player sales before being able to strengthen their first-team squad ahead of next season, while head coach Quique Setien is expected to be removed from his position in the dugout.
Darren Plant
