ESPN: Man City looking for a viable Messi formula

Manchester City are looking at ways to sign Lionel Messi. Their main concern, , according to ESPN, is not breaching Financial Fair Play rules if they make the move happen.

Messi, the best player who ever lived, linking up with Pep Guardiola again in England would be fascinating, but there are so many costs involved it may prove difficult.

Barcelona say they will not sell Messi for less than his 700 million euro release clause but some board members think he should go and the money could be spent on reshaping the team.

Messi’s contract ends next summer and he can walk away from Camp Nou for nothing. He already told the new coach, Ronald Koeman, that he is ‘more out than in’ at Barca.

Messi’s salary would also cause problems at Man City; not many sides would be able to pay the 33-year-old forward what he wants.