Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi will reportedly only be open to joining Manchester City if both Pep Guardiola and Sergio Aguero remain on the books at the Etihad.
City were regarded as the favourites to land Messi's signature in the summer transfer window after the Argentine handed in a transfer request at Barca, only for the 33-year-old to stay put amid a dispute regarding his release clause.
However, Messi is currently in the final year of his contract at Camp Nou and does not appear to be anywhere close to penning an extension, meaning that the Citizens could snap up the six-time Ballon d'Or winner for free next year.
Nevertheless, Argentine outlet El Chiringuito reports that while City are still at the head of the queue for Messi, the forward will only consider a move if Aguero and Guardiola both stay.
Messi's national teammate Aguero is out of contract at the Etihad next summer and has been linked with a return to his native Argentina, whereas former Barcelona manager Guardiola is also yet to pen an extension on his existing deal at Man City - currently due to run out in 2021.
Paris Saint-Germain were also tipped to make a sensational move for Messi over the summer, but the forward's father has since dismissed talk of his son heading to the French capital.
Ben Knapton
