Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City made informal approaches to Lionel Messi's representatives about his interest in leaving Barcelona, according to a report last week.

"It is the closest he's ever been to leaving Barcelona," said Guillem Balague. "It doesn't mean he will but it is the closest he has ever been to leaving the club."

Messi is facing up to 22 months in jail if he's found guilty of defrauding Spanish tax authorities and Graham Hunter says that could become a factor in his decision.

Hunter said: "The climate, not just at the Camp Nou but in Catalonia, is probably enough to make him and his family scratch their heads and wonder. 

"I guess at his age... maybe you start to look at your next move and you think your next move at 28 is vitally important. 

"Do I stay? Do I look at pastures new? I wouldn't pretend to know what he's going to do but at this stage of his life and with Barcelona run in the way that it is, I think it's a story of merit.

"It's something I guess you and I will be talking about for months to come."