Manchester United have opened talks with Lionel Messi's representatives over a switch to Old Trafford - according to reports in Spain.
The Argentine superstar dropped a bombshell on Tuesday by submitting a transfer request to Barcelona and wants to exercise a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave the club for free.
Barcelona believe that clause expired in June but Messi believes it was automatically moved after the 2019/20 campaign was extended into August as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Spanish outlet Sport claim Messi's situation has alerted Manchester United who have opened talks with the player's representatives over bringing the 33-year-old to Manchester.
The report states United are one of the few clubs that are able to afford Messi and would be willing to pay a transfer fee to Barcelona in order to help facilitate the transfer.
MEN Sport understands United are still firmly focussed on signing Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho this summer but are yet to make a breakthrough in negotiations.
Elsewhere, reports in Italy suggest Roma are accelerating their plans to sign United defender Chris Smalling.
Smalling has returned to the club after spending a year on loan with the Italian side who have been unable to meet United's valuation of the former England international thus far.
However, following the recent takeover of the club, Corriere dello Sport claim the Serie A side are now speeding up their pursuit of the 29-year-old as they want their squad finalised before their pre-season preparations begin.
Roma are reportedly willing to offer €17million to secure his signature.
