Man Utd respond to Lionel Messi transfer claims as Barcelona talks continue

Manchester United have laughed off claims they contacted Lionel Messi’s father after his Barcelona future became uncertain.

Jorge Messi acts as agent to his son and flew into Barcelona this week where he is holding crisis talks.

Messi communicated his desire to immediately leave the Catalan club via Burofax last week, plunging them into chaos.

Amid huge speculation over his future, Catalan newspaper Sport and some Italian journalists reported the Red Devils had touched base.

But it is understood that sources close to the club have laughed off those reports and insist there is nothing in them.

They have also denied the club made a bid for Sandro Tonali after Brescia owner Massimo Cellino claimed that they had made a proposal only for the player to have his heart set on AC Milan.

Whilst Messi will not be heading to Old Trafford, he could still head to Manchester.

Manchester City are considered the front-runners for his signature if he does leave the Nou Camp.

It has been claimed they have made a significant contract offer worth over £600million over a five-year period.

But the latest developments from Spain have seen Messi’s father admit for the first time that there is a chance he will consider seeing out his contract at Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood recently admitted he would love to come up against Messi in the Premier League.

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He said: “Obviously it would be amazing to even come up against him because all young footballers know about Messi.

“To be on the same pitch playing against him would be another dream come true, not just for me but for everyone really.

“To have someone that high profile to come to the Premier League, it’s obviously a big thing isn’t it.”