Guardiola pictured in Barcelona as Man City close on sensational Messi transfer
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Pep Guardiola has been spotted in Barcelona as speculation grows over a move to Manchester City for Lionel Messi.
The wantaway forward is supposedly close to agreeing a £1.4m-a-week deal at the Etihad.
Messi made his intentions clear earlier this week when he sent Catalan chiefs a Burofax signalling his desire to leave.
And a reunion with Guardiola coupled with their financial might makes City favourites for his signature.
Spanish outlet El Chiringuito believe Guardiola could meet Messi for a face-to-face meeting during his time in the city.
(Image: grupokao/Instagram)
The pair have already had discussions on the phone regarding teaming up for a second time.
Argentine paper La Nacion claim Messi has told pals: “I’m going to talk to Pep so he can arrange my move to City.
“The football there is spectacular.”
Guardiola and Messi helped lead Barcelona during the most successful period in their history between 2008 and 2012.
(Image: Getty Images)
They won three La Liga titles as well as two Champions League trophies.
City are desperate to win Europe’s top prize and wrestle back the Premier League crown and adding Messi would greatly enhance their chances.
The Messi-Barcelona saga looks set to run on however with considerable disputes over the 33-year-old’s contract.
A clause which allowed him to leave for free has now passed its activation date but Messi believes the elongated nature of the season should be taken into account.
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The six-time Ballon D’Or winner and Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu have clashed and their relationship looks beyond repair.
But he is not prepared to let Messi leave for anything less than his £624m release clause.
Bartomeu is also not prepared to meet Barcelona’s starman to discuss anything but a contract extension.
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