Messi ready to quit Barca

Lionel Messi has reportedly indicated he’s ready to quit Barcelona.

After 14 years in Catalonia, it is claimed he wants to test himself in the Premier League, with Manchester City, United and Chelsea interested all in the four-time World Player of the Year.

The Sun claim all three clubs have made contact with Messi’s representatives, with one of the trio making contact on two occasions in the last week.

It is reported a number of Premier League stars who are friends with Messi have attempted to convince him to move to England.

Messi’s readiness to leave Barcelona has also allegedly been influenced by the recent tax troubles he is having in Catalonia.

The 28-year-old and his father Jorge are facing trial over an alleged £3.1m tax fraud.

Messi’s current Barcelona contract is due to expire in June 2018 and has a buyout clause of €250million in it.

A knee ligament injury is currently keeping Messi out of the Barcelona team, but he is refusing to put a timescale on his return.

He said: “I am improving every day without setting myself any targets. I have always said that I don’t set myself any dates because it isn’t up to me.

“As much as I would like to play tomorrow, the doctors wouldn’t let me. When they tell me that I have recovered completely will be the time that I will make my return onto the pitch.”

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