Manchester United are reportedly one of a number of clubs interested in a shock move for Lionel Messi.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is rumoured to be unsettled at the Nou Camp after a training ground bust-up and social media row – and could leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.
A reunion with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has been mooted, but the reigning Premier League champions don’t expect him to quit the Nou Camp.
But according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Manchester United have entered the race for the 32-year-old superstar.
The highly respected Italian sports newspaper says the Red Devils are one of five clubs who have the financial muscle to complete a deal for the forward.
Along with United, local rivals Man City are also mentioned, as are Paris Saint-Germain – where he could reunited with former team-mate Neymar – as well as Inter Milan.
Juventus are the final club to be mentioned – giving fans the chance to dream about a dream pairing between Messi and great rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi’s bust-up at Barcelona has come after a row with the club’s sporting director Eric Abidal.
It is understood that the Argentine was frustrated with his former team-mate’s general criticism of the squad in Ernesto Valverde’s final weeks at the club.
He took to social media to reply, writing: “Those in charge of sporting direction should also face up to their responsibilities and above all take charge of their own decisions.
“When you talk about players you should give names, otherwise you are tainting everyone’s name and feeding rumours which are not true.”
Barcelona chiefs decided to sack Valverde last month despite the team sitting top of the LaLiga table.
And since successor Quique Setien has taken over, the Catalan giants have slipped to second behind Real Madrid.
There are still 18 months left on Messi’s contract at the Nou Camp, which pays him a staggering £1million a week, but the deal involves a sensational clause that allows him to leave for NOTHING in the summer.
This, coupled with his public Barca bust-up, has alerted top clubs around Europe.
However, it so far appears highly unlikely that Messi will actually leave the Nou Camp.
And despite his apparent unhappiness, Messi has still delivered in typical fashion this season – netting 19 goals and laying on a further 12 for his team-mates in 24 appearances.