Anthony Joshua eyes Barcelona transfer to replace Lionel Messi as he shows off football skills in Instagram clip

BARCELONA have found their ready-made replacement should Lionel Messi leave – in the shape of heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua.

The Argentine great, 33, wants to quit his childhood club after almost 20 years following a major fallout with the board.

Anthony Joshua offered himself to Barcelona as a replacement for Lionel Messi who is nearing the Nou Camp exit door

But while speculation around his next club continues, Joshua put himself in the shop window with some silky skills.

The Watford star, still in his prime at 30, took to his Instagram story to show off his tasty tekkers.

AJ did a series of keepy-uppies and even pulled out a nonchalant around-the-world as he enjoyed a kickabout in the gym after another gruelling session.

He captioned the video: “@fcbarcelona If Messi goes I’m ready! Boxing ain’t getting any easier.”

But the next video he posted will not give Marc-Andre ter Stegen any reason to worry.

Joshua shared a clip from A League Of Their Own as he goes in goal to face a Freddie Flintoff penalty.

And the former England cricket captain stuck it straight through the 6ft 7ins giant’s legs.

AJ added: “Just don’t stick me in goal!”

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• LIVE: Latest news on Messi’s exit
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• The Argentine star faxed his decision to Barcelona
• Rio Ferdinand claims Chelsea are trying to sign Messi
• Man City favourites to sign him ahead of Man Utd, Inter and PSG
• Messi revealed to follow Man City and Chelsea on Twitter

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The WBA, IBF and WBO king is preparing to face Kubrat Pulev in their rearranged heavyweight showdown, expected to take place in December.

But for Messi, his next move remains far from orthodox.

He faxed the Barcelona board to inform them he wants to quit after growing furious with their treatment of him and, most recently, Luis Suarez.

Messi, whose deal runs out in 2021, believes a clause in his contract means he can leave for free this summer.

However, Barcelona reckon that offer expired back in June.

Manchester City are the 5/2 favourites to land the Argentine if he does leave, reuniting with Pep Guardiola.

Jorge Messi – the great man’s dad – has reportedly even landed in England to discuss terms over a sensational Etihad switch.

But as revealed by SunSport, Manchester City will go all out to sign Messi  — as long as he is committed to joining them.

City have been burned twice before in their pursuit of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner and do not want to be embarrassed again.

Joshua showed off his silky skills in the gym after a training session as he prepares to face Kubrat Pulev

Messi is being linked with a stunning transfer to Manchester City where he would be reunited with Pep Guardiola