MANCHESTER CITY will go all out to sign Lionel 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.
The Etihad club were asked about signing the Barcelona star, 33, ten days before he handed in his transfer request.
An intermediary working for the Messi camp was instructed to gauge interest in the player.
City officials were contacted and talks took place, which have put them in pole position to secure the Argentina captain.
However, Messi’s people have also talked to Paris Saint-Germain, where his close friend Neymar plays.
Reports in Argentina claim Messi’s transfer request was sparked by new boss Ronald Koeman, who told the Nou Camp talisman “your privileges in the squad are over”.
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: Breaking news, juicy gossip and the biggest deals
It is also alleged Koeman, who replaced Quique Setien, told Messi: “You have to do everything for the team.
“I’m going to be inflexible, you have to think about the team.”
That frank exchange, as well as the embarrassing 8-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich this month, has convinced Messi now is the time to leave the Spanish giants.
No deal has yet been agreed with City, mainly because Messi’s legal team are trying to enforce the release clause in his contract, which would have allowed him to quit for free before June 10.
Messi believes that clause can still be triggered because the coronavirus pandemic delayed the end to the Spanish season.
But Barca insist they will attempt to enforce the £630million buy-out clause, which runs out next summer.
The legal dispute could lead to all-out war.
Messi’s camp are believed to have taken advice from a former member of the Court of Arbirtation in Sport.
And the likelihood is that the Nou Camp club will instead lower the asking price to £150m.
It would cost around £70m a year for Messi’s contract and image rights.
He also wants a three-year deal, which would mean City would have to cough up £210m, even if there was no fee involved.
Barca signed forward Francisco Trincao, 20, from Braga for £27.75m yesterday.
But sporting director Ramon Planes still believes Messi could stay.
He said: “Our idea is to build a team around the most important player in the world.
“We’re not contemplating any kind of departure because what we want is for Messi to stay.
“We only have enormous respect for Leo. Barca and Leo are like a marriage, both have given so much to each other and brought so much joy to fans.
“We are putting every effort into ensuring the relationship will continue.
“We are working internally to convince Leo.”
