Lionel Messi Decision Impacts Manchester City's Sergio Aguero Replacement Wishlist

Lionel Messi is now expected to stay at Barcelona this summer, leaving Manchester City with three targets to replace Sergio Aguero for next year.

City announced earlier this week that Aguero would be leaving the club at the end of the season, when his contract finishes, 10 years after arriving in Manchester.

The 32-year-old was surprisingly linked with a potential move across Manchester, to City's rivals United, whilst PSG and Inter Milan are also said to be interested.

Before the announcement, Barcelona were the first club reportedly interested in the former Atletico Madrid striker, in an attempt to help encourage Messi to stay at the Camp Nou.

The six time Ballon d'Or winner wanted to leave last summer, and was expected to join City. Whilst that move was put on hold, he was still expected to leave this summer.

According to Spanish outlet SPORT, that is now not likely to be the case, with Messi encouraged by the progress the team has made this season so far.

Barcelona are now in the hunt for the league title. Image: PA Images

Whilst the Catalan giants were knocked out of the Champions League in the last 16, the club are just four points behind La Liga leaders Atletico.

Ronald Koeman has also brought a number of younger players into the first team this season and Joan Laporta has returned to the club as president.

The report does also claim that City have decided against making a move for the Argentina forward and have decided on a tactic of signing a more out and out number nine.

According to the outlet, Erling Haaland is top of their wanted list, with reports in England today suggesting the Borussia Dortmund forward could ask for £600,000-a-week to move to the Premier League.

Haaland is the most wanted player in the world right now. Image: PA Images

Haaland's release clause doesn't come into play till next summer so Dortmund could price everyone out of a move for their striker.

Should the 20-year-old not move to the Etihad in the summer then City's next two names have plenty of Premier League experience between them.

A move for Spurs' striker Harry Kane is expected and Inter's Romelu Lukaku, who's form since moving from United to Italy has been exceptional, is the third name on their list.

Who do you think will replace Aguero next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Topics: Manchester City, Sergio Aguero, Football, Barcelona, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Premier League, Transfer gossip, Romelu Lukaku, La Liga, Harry Kane

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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