Man City attempt to test Barcelona's resolve with £15m bid for Messi in January

Manchester City are yet to give up on ir pursuit of Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, despite summer setback that saw Argentine continue at Camp u. Messi’s contract runs out in June 2021 but Etihad-based outfit are t keen on waiting that long. Instead, Man City are prepared to rope in six-time Ballon d’Or winner with a bid set to be submitted in January.

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Man City to offer £15m for Messi transfer 

According to a report by Daily Star, Man City are set to test Barcelona’s resolve in January window with a new bid. report claims that Premier League giants will offer a meagre £15 million in ir pursuit to rope in Argentine icon.

Man City will look to reap maximum benefits from Messi’s contractual situation at Barcelona. 33-year-old is in final year of his Barcelona contract and is yet to extend his stay with Camp u outfit. If he doesn’t agree to a contract extension until January, n he will be legally permitted to talk to potential suitors beginning in January.

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Will Bartomeu's future influence Messi transfer saga? 

Barcelona, for ir part, are reluctant to let go of ir all-time leading scorer on a free transfer and could well be compelled to get back on negotiating table with Etihad-based outfit. Messi’s exit demands from club were triggered after Barcelona’s humiliating 2-8 defeat against Bayern Munich.

However, roots of crisis are largely related to his tortuous relationship with Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu. two prominent personalities at Camp u have been at loggerheads since previous season. Bartomeu’s presidential term ends in March next year but he is likely to see an ouster come into force as early as next month with a vote of confidence motion initiated against him.

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Bartomeu's departure could see Messi continue at Barcelona 

Some earlier reports have also claimed that Messi’s future course of action will completely depend on Bartomeu’s situation at Camp u and a change of guard at top might well convince four-time Champions League winner to extend his stay beyond current deal. Messi is 33 at moment and will turn 34 by time elections are held in May next year. However, sword of vote of confidence is hanging over Bartomeu's neck at moment, which means we could well see Messi situation resolved come January.

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Im courtesy: FCBarcelona.com