Lionel Messi has reportedly agreed personal terms with Manchester City, just days after Barcelona's captain asked to leave the club.
After nearly two decades at the Camp Nou, the 33-year-old told officials on Tuesday night that he no longer sees his future with the Catalan giants.
Reports soon emerged that Messi was 'set on playing for Manchester City' as rumours continued to swirl surrounding his future, but now it appears the Premier League side have made their move.
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According to Spanish journalist Veronica Brunati, Pep Guardiola's side 'have an agreement on the numbers of the transfer' in place.
The deal between City and Messi is, of course, an important step but a deal between both clubs has not been reached yet - and it certainly won't be straightforward.
Messi's release clause stands at an eye-watering £631 million, though he has requested that Barcelona refer to the clause in his contract that allows him to leave for a free at the end of each season.
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The Spanish club have pointed out that the clause expired on June 10, but his representatives argue that it ought to have been extended to August due to the season being lengthened as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu would step aside if Messi publicly agreed to commit his future to Barcelona, report Catalan television channel TV3.
It's all very complicated but City appear the best-placed club to sign the Argentine, if a move eventually materialises.
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Esporte Interativo journalist Marcelo Bachler, who first broke the Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain story, is reporting that Messi is keen on a reunion with Pep Guardiola, while The Athletic's David Ornstein claims the 33-year-old has already phoned Guardiola to inform him of his interest.
Thoughts on Messi potentially playing his football in the Premier League in 2020/21?
Let us know in the comments.
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