Manchester City are monitoring the public fall-out of Lionel Messi with Barcelona and believe they could possibly sign him if he decides to leave.

Messi reportedly has a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave Barcelona for free at the end of the season, but it is unclear if he would be allowed to sign with a rival like Manchester City.

City privately admits it would be unlikely for Messi to leave either this summer or in 2021.

Messi has a strong relationship with director of football Txiki Begiristain, chief executive Ferran Soriano and manager Pep Guardiola.