Lionel Messi is currently locked in negotiations with Barcelona over a contract renewal with his current contract set to expire in June.
The Argentine was expected to have signed an extension pretty much earlier as Barcelona announced in July that Messi will be staying with the club till 2021.
But, so far the talks have not borne fruit and they continue to be dragged on.
Several other clubs will be watching to see how this pans out in the next couple of months and Manchester City is said to be one of them.
City, as per reports, are keeping extremely an extremely close eye on the developments of this situation.
Barcelona have repeatedly told fans not to worry and are still confident the deal can be reached. ‘Everything is signed. There is no need to worry,’
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu insisted. However, City are waiting in the wings and have already held discussions with Messi’s ‘inner circle’.
City are plotting a bid in the region of £358 million which could see Messi shatter the record for the most expensive player in the World.
Pep Guardiola will be absolutely delighted to have a reunion with Lionel Messi, a player whom he provided a lot of chances and developed.
Andres Iniesta last week signed a lifetime deal to stay at Barcelona.
Messi is believed to be ready to follow suit if the terms are agreeable since he is happily settled in Barcelona with his wife and family.
The forward, 30, is currently away on international duty with Argentina as they prepare for a must-win World Cup qualifier in Ecuador.
Anything other than a win could sensationally see them miss out on next summer’s finals in Russia.
Argentina have not returned from Quito with all three points/wins since 2001 now. Many believe, that the altitude makes it a daunting venue to play at and Messi fans will be hoping that he finally comes good against Ecuador.
