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Peter Crouch Gives His Honest Prediction For Who Will Win The Premier League Title Next Season

Peter Crouch Gives His Honest Prediction For Who Will Win The Premier League Title Next Season

Peter Crouch insisted that Manchester City would be a force to be reckoned with if Lionel Messi reunites with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz

Peter Crouch believes Manchester City will fire their way past Liverpool to the Premier League title should they sign Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

Pep Guardiola's men failed to defend their championship status last season as Liverpool comfortably topped the table by an 18-point margin.

But the 49-year-old Spaniard has wasted no time in revamping his squad and already secured the services of Ferran Torres and Nathan Ake.

City have now been linked with a sensational move for Messi after the Barcelona captain submitted a transfer request last month.

Crouch, 39, has insisted that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner's arrival at the Etihad would be the "difference" in deciding the title race next season.

The former Stoke City star told Paddy Power: "Imagine if City pulled off the Lionel Messi transfer?

PA

"I love watching them play now, they're an absolute class act. And honestly, if they added Messi, I'd think that would be the difference between them winning the title and not.

"This season is the last year of Pep Guardiola's contract at City -- and he's been a top-class manager for them. The only thing failing him is Europe, isn't it?

"Winning the Champions League has eluded him, but the improvement the club have made since he took charge has been unbelievable.

"He's kicked them on to a new level, but some people might not view it as successful as other managers because of the Champions League.

PA

"It is the one trophy they are so desperate to win. I think Guardiola has been a breath of fresh air for the Premier League -- his football has been amazing. He's a top manager, but not winning the Champions League is definitely a blot."

According to recent reports, City had compiled a comprehensive package in a bid to lure Messi to the Premier League next season.

But now Messi, who is out of contract next summer, is reportedly set to make a U-turn on his Barca exit as he sees out the final year of his current deal.

Barcelona are battling to keep hold of the Argentina captain and won't allow him to leave unless a club pays his astonishing £624m release clause.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Manchester City, Football News, Peter Crouch, Football, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Premier League, La Liga, Barca