BARCELONA want to sell star man Lionel Messi this summer.
That’s according to ex-president Joan Laporta, who has also branded the club’s axing of Luis Suarez as an “act of cowardice.”
Ex-president Joan Laporta says Barcelona want to sell Lionel MessiCredit: AP:Associated Press
Barcelona are in turmoil after sacking Quique Setien in the wake of their 8-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.
Ronald Koeman has been brought in to steady the ship.
But it’s reckoned he’s ready to cut a number of big names aside in his quest to restore normality to the Nou Camp.
Barcelona legend Messi, 33, has been tipped to move on after entering the final year of his contract.
Manchester City are believed to be keen on the Argentine forward.
And there is strong interest from Inter Milan as well.
Laporta has slammed Barca’s treatment of Luis SuarezCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Meanwhile, ex-Liverpool star Suarez, 33, has reportedly been told by Koeman he will be sold this summer.
There are believed to be a number of Premier League clubs in the hunt, with former side Ajax and David Beckham’s Inter Miami also involved.
Laporta, who helped establish Barca as Europe’s top side between 2003 and 2010, has now laid into the current “incompetent” hierarchy as he prepares a bid for office again.
He reckons, contrary to reports in Spain, that Barcelona ARE plotting to sell fan favourite Messi.
And Laporta also believes Suarez has been treated extremely poorly after some incredible years of service to the club.
Laporta tweeted: “They have told Suarez they don’t want him by telephone.
“That seems an act of cowardice and a lack of respect towards the player.
“It’s an unacceptable way for the club to behave and it harms the image of the club.
“I suspect they want to sell Messi. Poor Barca in the hands of these incompetents.”
Laporta is running for president at the Nou Camp yet againCredit: EPA
Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman says he doesn’t know if he has to convince Messi to stay
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
