Manchester City are considering offering Lionel Messi a long-term contract that would see him move to MLS partner club New York City FC after three seasons in the Premier League.

They could also offer Messi the chance to become an ambassador for the City Football Group, the holding company that owns a number of clubs across the world, including City and NYCFC.

City have emerged as the favourites to sign Messi after he shocked Barcelona by telling them he wants to leave on Tuesday.

It will be important for City to know if Messi can leave Barca for free or if they will have to negotiate a fee with the La Liga side. Messi's contract runs until 2021 and includes a €700 million release clause. Messi hopes to execute a clause that would allow him to leave for free.