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Manchester City transfer news: Lionel Messi wants reunion with Pep Guardiola - report

Lionel Messi
(Image credit: PA)

Manchester City is Lionel Messi's preferred destination as he plots his next move, according to reports.

Barcelona confirmed on Thursday that their greatest ever player would not be extending his stay at the Camp Nou.

Messi's contract expired on June 30 but the Argentina international and the Blaugrana agreed a new five-year deal in principle.

Barcelona had been hoping to formalise that contract this month, but they have now admitted defeat in their attempt to keep hold of Messi while also meeting La Liga's economic rules.

PSG are at the front of the queue for his signature and are one of only a handful of clubs would be able to afford to meet Messi's demands.

However, it is unclear whether City will be able to afford Messi having just splashed out £100m on Jack Grealish.

"We spent £40m on Jack Grealish. We paid £100m and brought in £60m [from player sales," Guardiola said on Friday. 

"He will wear the No.10 because we were convinced with Grealish and we were convinced Leo would continue at Barcelona, so right now he is not in our thoughts."

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