Lionel Messi's 'first choice' for his next club would be Manchester City ahead of an almost 'impossible' transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports in Spain.
The 34-year-old Argentine superstar will call it time on a legendary playing career at Barcelona after he couldn't sign a new contract due to La Liga's financial rules.
Both Messi and Barcelona had agreed to a new deal, but a wrench was thrown in the works after the La Liga club's bombshell announcement on Thursday.
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The six-time Ballon d'Or winner was subject to intense transfer speculation linking him with both City and PSG this summer after he became a free agent in July.
According to Marca, Messi's next club destinations are 'limited' due to his staggering salary demands.
However, the Spanish newspaper claims that a move to the MSL could still be a 'possibility' for the Barcelona legend.
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Marca added that Premier League champions City are 'favourites to sign him' and have shifted their position on Messi after his Barcelona deal collapsed.
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City completed their £100m British-record signing of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa on Thursday, with the club also linked with a move for Tottenham striker Harry Kane.
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Spanish media is now reporting that City boss Pep Guardiola had been 'planning to build his team around Harry Kane and Jack Grealish in attack, but Messi's exit from the Camp Nou changes everything.'
According to reports, City have now turned 'their attention' to signing Messi ahead of wantaway Spurs star Kane.
However, Messi signing for PSG is now reportedly 'looking impossible' as the Ligue 1 club are concentrated on signing Kylian Mbappe to a new long-term deal.
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PSG are aiming to 'sell players' and are not prepared to splash out to meet Messi's wages demands, despite being considered one of the frontrunners to sign the former Barcelona star.
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