Manchester United “have begun its efforts” to sign Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, according to Deportes Cuatro. The Spanish news programme claims that the Red Devils are planning to open a dialogue with the Argentinian international to see if he would be interested in moving to Old Trafford.
Messi has officially communicated to Barca that he wants to leave the Camp Nou this summer, but with a €700m (£629m) release clause, any move is likely to be fraught with difficulties.
With the six-time Ballon d’Or winner seemingly available, though, it is too good an opportunity to turn down but supporters on Twitter have been debating whether there is any merit to this story coming out of Spain:
We would actually win the league next season if he came
— Cr7Goated (@Trolling_Goat7) August 26, 2020
Don't get your hopes up.
— Gary Matthews (@GaryJMatthews) August 26, 2020
No they haven't. Fake news.
— Craig (@warmind78) August 26, 2020
We cant even bid 110million for sancho never mind the best player in the world with ronnie ffs!!!!!!
— Nat????????? (@nat90HJ) August 26, 2020
— Dan Miller (@DanMillerPT) August 26, 2020
For whatever we paid sanchez I'd take him but not a cent more. We definitely can't afford to pay him whatever he currently makes at barca.
— Carryunwind (@carryunwind) August 26, 2020
Who wouldn’t want him
— Bobby ????✌? (@Robbyrude8845) August 26, 2020
Game on
— Croc city Boy. @Josephisaac (@oladipo007) August 26, 2020
Bring the GOAT home
— Isaac Madengu (@IsaacMadengu) August 26, 2020
It aint gonna happen .
— washington mugadza (@washingtonmuga4) August 26, 2020
There are only a few clubs in the world who could afford to sign Messi. One of them is certainly United, but Manchester City are also likely to be involved, considering Pep Guardiola’s close association with the player. PSG’s unlimited resources mean they will almost certainly be in the running as well.