Manchester City is favorites to sign want-away Barcelona legend Lionel Messi – with neighbors United, Inter Milan, and PSG also rated serious contenders.
Messi has asked to leave the LaLiga giants after Ronald Koeman became boss following an 8-2 Champions League mauling against Bayern Munich.
And bookmakers quickly named Pep Guardiola’s City as the likeliest destination for the 33-year-old frontman, who argues he is entitled to a free transfer.
Ladbrokes have City at 5/2, ahead of 3/1 tips Inter, with United 6/1 and PSG 7/1.
Messi could give City the huge lift needed after Liverpool dethroned them by 18 points in winning the Premier League.
Etihad chief Guardiola mainly needs to strengthen his defense – as a successor to Real Sociedad-bond playmaker David Silva has already been identified in-house as England hopeful Phil Foden.
But luring Messi would surely send pre-season at the Etihad crackling with electricity and expectation.
Antonio Conte’s Inter, though, is in the market for a top-name recruit, especially after surging up Serie A to finish just a point behind champions Juventus.
Messi is also the type of mobile magician Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might dream about.
Solskjaer already has a whole range of contrasting attacking talents in Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, and Anthony Martial.
But despite soaring to a third-place finish, United have over-relied on Bruno Fernandes for special moments of extra flair behind the strikers.
PSG, of course, have been willing to spend huge sums to fund still elusive Champions League glory, last Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the final being their closest call to date.
And imagine the possibilities with a front three of Argentina superstar Messi, the £198m world’s costliest player Neymar and jet-heeled Kylian Mbappe.
