Chelsea are set to challenge Manchester City for the signature of Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, according to Guillem Balague.
The journalist, who has regularly reported on the Blaugrana, told his YouTube channel that the Blues are "in the equation" for the 33-year-old.
Manchester City have also been linked to the Argentine, with his contract at the Nou Camp coming to an end in the summer. Talks over a new deal at Barcelona could be difficult after a split between Messi and club over how it has been run, and many rumours saying he could leave last summer.
As a result of his contract coming to an end, any interested team wouldn't have to pay a transfer fee - but would have to pay the forward's astronomical wages.
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Both Chelsea and City are likely to have the funds to do this, although the latter may have an edge due to manager Pep Guardiola's relationship with Messi.
The pair won three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues in a hugely successful three seasons at Barcelona together, and after a relative drought of trophies for both in recent years a reunion could be enticing on both sides.
Barcelona's struggles under new manager Ronald Koeman this season could also have an impact on any decision from Messi. The team are languishing in 13th in La Liga after eight matches.
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Featured image credit: PA Images
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Manchester City, Football News, Transfer, Chelsea, Football, Pep Guardiola, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Transfer gossip