Jose Mourinho 'hopes' Lionel Messi stays at Barcelona

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has played down suggestions that his club could move for Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, who continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League.

It has long been suggested that Messi wants to ply his trade in England before hanging up his boots, and a move to Manchester City has been mooted due to the Argentine's relationship with Pep Guardiola.

Man United have also been credited with an interest in the 29-year-old, but Mourinho has poured cold water on claims that the Red Devils are putting together a package for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"Messi every season is the same story, every season he is going to leave and he never leaves and honestly I hope he never leaves because he belongs to Barcelona," Mourinho told reporters.

Messi, who has scored 15 times in 12 appearances this season, is currently with the Barcelona squad in Scotland ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Celtic.