This would be sensational.
The Premier League could always do with a few more world-class players, and we maybe on the cusp of seeing the best in the world facing the likes of Dejan Lovren and John Terry in the not-too-distant future.
Earlier today we brought you the news that a Premier League club may tempt Lionel Messi to the English top flight.
Idle speculation, you say? Well maybe not – this one seems to have a bit more legs than the usual
According to various newspaper reports, everything points to Messi being prepared to leave Camp Nou in 2017.
Any deal for the forward would likely be a world record, and figures this morning suggest that any transfer would be in excess of £180 million.
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
Early speculation indicated that Chelsea were the favourites to sign the Argentine.
But with Manchester City’s connections with Barcelona, plus the rumours that Pep Guardiola will be in charge at the Etihad next season, many assumed that it would be the blue half of Manchester that would possibly tempt the Argentine should he decide his future is best served away from Spain
But instead several reports suggest that it could be Louis van Gaal’s red army that could swoop for Messi.
United have chased a marquee signing for the past two summers, but Ed Woodward has failed to secure deals for Gareth Bale, Thomas Muller and/or Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi would certainly fit the bill as a ‘marquee name’, and Manchester United fans are already getting very, very excited at the prospect of Messi teaming up with Anthony Martial and and Co.
https://twitter.com/ozair7/status/657452874209751041
https://twitter.com/TheRegistaRole_/status/657480713957081088
https://twitter.com/AxAs23/status/657482327631773696
FYI, if Messi is even pondering/ has had a singular though of leaving #FCB, we should bid £150m tomorrow. It's that simple. #MUFC
— MUFC_Jay (@JayceMUFC) October 23, 2015
When Messi joins Man Utd pic.twitter.com/D3RpLQ15R1
— . (@FCB_Benz) October 23, 2015
Chelsea fans are also preparing to buy some new pants if he does arrive at Stamford Bridge.
The thought of Messi ever coming to Chelsea is actually too much. Stuff the prices, a season ticket would be getting purchased. #CFC #Messi
— Jake Heasman (@jakeheasman) October 23, 2015
While others were a bit more sceptical.
Yeah, how nice.Pogba to Barcelona, Messi to Chelsea, Hazard to Real Madrid, Ronaldo to PSG.
This shit doesn't even happen in fifa! -_-— Siddanth (@ASiddanth) October 23, 2015