Lionel Messi's father has reportedly informed Paris Saint-Germain that his son wants to leave Barcelona for Manchester City during this summer's transfer window.
The 33-year-old is believed to have requested a formal meeting with Barca over the coming days as he looks to engineer a move away from Camp Nou in the current market.
Man City and PSG are regarded to the favourites for the Argentina international due to the financial power that would be needed to sign him.
However, according to L'Equipe, Messi's father Jorge told PSG's sporting director Leonardo during a recent phone call that his son wants to move to the Etihad Stadium.
A deal would allegedly cost City in the region of £500m due to the South American's substantial wages, while Barca are unlikely to sell their star player for less than £200m despite the fact that his contract is due to expire next summer.
The Citizens are said to be prepared to include Eric Garcia as part of a bid for Messi but will not be offering Gabriel Jesus, Bernardo Silva or Riyad Mahrez as makeweights.
Matt Law
