Manuel Pellegrini 'won't rule out Lionel Messi bid'

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has refused to rule out a future move for Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

The Argentine's future has been the subject of intense speculation since Luis Enrique took charge at the Camp Nou, with several rumours of a fall out between the pair.

However, Messi fuelled talk of a transfer away from Catalunya after the Ballon d'Or ceremony, where he hinted that he could move in the future.

Pellegrini, whose City side host Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, wouldn't completely dismiss the possibility, with ex-Barca officials Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain at the Blues, but admits that a move is unlikely.

He is quoted by the Daily Star as saying: "We are an important team at this moment because we are one team that can buy players the same as six, seven, eight or nine different teams.

"But it is difficult to think of Barcelona without Messi."

City are currently five points behind leaders Chelsea in the Premier League table.