Manchester City are confident the presence of Pep Guardiola will mean they are Lionel Messi’s first choice if he decides to leave Barcelona, reports The Guardian.
Guardiola is set to replace Manuel Pellegrini as City manager at the end of the season and the board believe his appointment has installed them at frontrunners should he become available.
There has not actually been any indication that Messi is looking to force a move away from the Camp Nou and the Argentina international still has the best part of two years remaining on his current deal, which includes a €250m (£197m).
Messi is currently the second highest rated player in Europe’s top five leagues this season (8.47), behind teammate Neymar (8.55). The Barcelona No.10 is providing a goal or an assist every 62.8 minutes of league action this season.
For more stats on Lionel Messi, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
