Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has been linked with moves to Chelsea and Manchester City in recent times, subsequent to a fall out with manager Luis Enrique.
Messi has labelled rumours about his father negotiating with the Premier League duo about a possible move ‘lies’ and that his future lays at Barcelona. However, following Ronaldo’s crown at the Ballon D’Or ceremony in Zurich last night, the 27-year-old began to cause more speculation over his future, hinting at move away from the Camp Nou.
Messi said: “I am not sure If I will go back to Newell’s Old Boys one day. I am not sure where I will be next year.”
“I have always said that I will end my career at Barcelona but as Cristiano said: ‘Only God knows the future.’ Things in football can change overnight.”
And now the Guardian claims that Manchester United are poised to join the race for the Argentinian star, confirming that United indeed have the financial capability of plotting a hefty £200m offer.
It is believed that Manchester United may be one of the very few English clubs that could afford the fee, which is understood to be Barcelona’s requirements of an accepted price.
Manchester United vice-chariman Ed Woodward also confirmed in July, that finances is not a problem when it comes to such a fee. Mr Woodward stated: “Whether it’s a [world] record or not doesn’t really resonate with us. “What resonates is an elite player that the manager wants who is going to be a star for Manchester United.”
By Ollie Carroll
Twitter: @Ollie_Carroll_
