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Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola Flies To Barcelona For Lionel Messi Talks

Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola Flies To Barcelona For Lionel Messi Talks

Guardiola has reportedly flown to Barcelona to seal a deal for Messi.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Pep Guardiola is in Barcelona for talks with Lionel Messi over a sensational move to Manchester City.

Man City are thought to be in pole position to sign Messi after he handed in a transfer request on Tuesday.

And the Blues manager has been spotted in Barcelona with widespread reports claiming he was in town to strike a deal with the six-time Ballon d'Or winner.

He had dinner at a family restaurant on Monday but reports suggest the trip to Spain was more than just a holiday.

Restaurant Kao Dimsum posted a photo of Guardiola on social media with the eatery in the suburbs of the Catalan city.

Image: Instagram
Image: Instagram

With the COVID-19 restrictions in place, it appears to be a business trip for Guardiola who'll have to isolate upon returning to the UK.

A non-essential visit seems unlikely with work to be done to prepare for the new season.

Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA

Messi's former teammate Yaya Toure believes Man City have the financial power to lure the Argentine to the Premier League.

"It is going to be complicated," the former Etihad star said.

"From what I know, Messi loves Barcelona. He loves the city, he loves the club, he loves the philosophy there."

Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA

Toure added: "But if he had to leave the club, maybe he could come to City. Why? Because City have the money to buy him and there are only a few clubs in the Premier League who can afford him, to be honest.

"If he comes to City he is going to be good for City because the rest of the Premier League is quite intense and hard as well."

Will Messi be plying his trade in England's top flight next season? Watch this space.

Featured Image Credit: Instagram/PA

Topics: Manchester City, Football News, Football, Pep Guardiola, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Premier League