For years, many English clubs just assumed Lionel Messi was off-limits and they shouldn’t even try approaching him, but that may now have changed.
The Argentine has been with Barcelona for more than a decade, breaking all manner of records, but he could be ready for a change of pace.
Fascinating story this morning by @MartinLipton: twice in the last week a top PL club contacted Messi. And he's ready to LISTEN
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) October 23, 2015
I believe top PL clubs have been surprised by the reception of their approaches. It doesn't mean Messi would go 4 sure but he is listening
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) October 23, 2015
The identity of the clubs in question is unclear, though the 28-year-old has been linked with Chelsea in the past.
It would go to show the popularity of the Premier League among players as well as fans.
Messi is currently out injured, and it has not been confirmed whether the discussions are over a January or a summer move.
He would likely command a world-record fee, surpassing the £85m that Real Madrid paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale.