Manchester City and Inter are considered the favourites to sign Lionel Messi, according to The Independent.
The 33-year-old shocked the world of football when he outlined his intention to leave Barcelona after 20 years at the club on Tuesday.
There is confidence within Messi’s camp that the clause in his contract that would allow the Argentine to leave Barça for free will be triggered.
However, the Catalans believe that clause has expired and will demand a transfer fee of around €700m for Messi.
Manchester City are believed to be working on structuring a deal and the report states that a reunion with Pep Guardiola seems to be the most likely option if Messi does end up leaving the Camp Nou.
Guardiola is believed to have been in contact with Messi in recent weeks to discuss a potential move.
Serie A side Inter are being noted as City’s closest challengers, although Messi’s salary of around €80m may prove to be too much of a stretch for the Italians.
