Manchester City are reportedly preparing to offer Lionel Messi a hugely lucrative two-year contract if they are able to sign him from Barcelona.
The Argentinean superstar informed the Catalan giants of his intentions to quit last week, and he has since not been present at either their coronavirus testing or start of pre-season training.
There is debate raging over his contract, with Messi's legal team believing he is able to leave the club on a free transfer due to a clause in his current deal, and Barcelona arguing the clause expired in June.
Regardless of the situation, City's interest appears most firm, and according to Spanish outlet Cadena Ser City's director of football Txiki Begiristain is currently in Barcelona attempting to strike a deal.
It is thought if the move does go through Messi would sign on for an initial two years, but this would be able to be extended if both the club and player wanted to do so.
Messi is believed to want the move to City to link up again with his former boss Pep Guardiola, and his father is set to meet with the Barcelona board this week to try to discuss the terms of his potential exit.
And Barcelona presidential candidate Toni Freixa believes the 33-year-old is bound for Manchester.
He told Goal: "I have heard from several sources, the decision by the player has matured over several years and is irrevocable. I don’t think there’s any going back.
“Messi is a player who longs for maximum success. He alone cannot achieve maximum success, he needs a team to do it. He doesn’t have that.
“I think City is likely. Messi had his most dazzling years in Barcelona with Pep. It would only make sense if both would work together again.
“Like almost all English clubs, City also has the financial means to build a team that can win anything.”
