EPL: Man City set to sign Messi after clash with Abidal at Barcelona

Manchester City are ready to sign Lionel Messi, if he decides to leave Barcelona, following his public spat with the club’s sporting director, Eric Abidal, ESPN reports.

Messi clashed with Abidal over his comments, that players forced his hands in sacking former manager, Ernesto Valverde.

It had led to rumours that the 32-year-old could leave the Camp Nou.

Messi reportedly has clause in his contract that allows him to go for free at the end of the season.

City privately admit his departure remains unlikely, but they would be interested if he decides to move either this summer or at the end of his current deal in 2021.

The Premier League champions believe Messi’s strong relationship with director of football Txiki Begiristain, chief executive Ferran Soriano and manager Pep Guardiola, could help facilitate a deal.