LIONEL MESSI could spearhead Manchester City’s attack next season alongside Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling – should his future fail to be resolved at Barcelona.
SunSport understands that the Citizens are ready to snap up the 32-year-old with the six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s future in doubt at the Nou Camp.
Man City have been linked with a stunning summer swoop for Barcelona legend Lionel Messi
The Argentina international – who has a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave for free in the summer – has been involved with a public fall-out with club sporting director Eric Abidal.
But despite taking to social media to vent his anger at his former team-mate, the feeling is that Messi will remain in Catalonia.
However if the unlikely was to materialise and the forward was to be reunited with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad, then City would have a team capable of finally winning the Champions League.
City are expected to invest heavily in the summer with Liverpool destined to win the Premier League this season.
Ederson will retain his place between the sticks having established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe following his move from Benfica.
Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy will likely be the first-choice full-backs, with City to spend big on centre-backs with John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi failing to win over their critics.
According to the Times, Stones’ future is in doubt, with the club eyeing up a move for Brighton ace Lewis Dunk as well as Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar.
They claim that the club could bring in two centre-halves, with the duo to rotate with key man Aymeric Laporte should they be recruited by City.
A midfield three will consist of Rodri, with Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva to be deployed further up the pitch.
Should Messi be brought in, he could slot in on the right wing, with Sterling on the opposite flank and City’s record goalscorer Aguero leading the line.
Man City hope to sign Lionel Messi on FREE transfer if superstar does not resolve Barcelona bust-up
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
