Manchester City 'still interested in signing Lionel Messi'

Manchester City are reportedly still exploring the possibility of a summer move for Lionel Messi.

The 33-year-old's contract with Barcelona is due to expire at the end of June, meaning that as it stands, he will be leaving Camp Nou on a free transfer.

A recent report claimed that the Catalan giants are lining up a lifetime deal for the Argentina international, though, with Man City's chances of signing the attacker thought to be fading.

The Citizens have also recently been linked with a big-money move for Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland as they bid to sign a replacement for the outgoing Sergio Aguero.

However, according to The Sun, Pep Guardiola's side are still interested in bringing Messi to the Etihad Stadium and have not given up hope of signing him later this year.

The report claims that the South American, who has also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, is yet to rule out a switch to Manchester as talks over a potential new deal with Barca have not yet officially begun.

Messi has again been in impressive form at club level during the 2020-21 campaign, scoring 29 times and registering 13 assists in 37 appearances in all competitions.