Man City declare trio ‘off limits’ as they offer defensive duo in Lionel Messi transfer
Man City are preparing a bid to bring Lionel Messi to the Etihad but have told Barcelona that three of their players are ‘off limits’.
Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus will not be offered as part of any deal despite reports suggesting both players could be used as make-weights in a transfer.
Riyad Mahrez is also staying at the club as City have no plans on losing the Algerian winger.
However according to The Sun, defender Eric Garcia is available while full-back Angelino is also surplus to requirements.
Barcelona are interested in signing Garcia, 19, who has already informed City he will not be extended his contract which expires next year.
(Image: PA)
Meanwhile Angelino has returned from a loan spell at Red Bull Leipzig who do not have the funds to sign him permanently this summer.
The 23-year-old has burnt his bridges at City somewhat after admitting earlier this year he would prefer to stay with the German club in a thinly-veiled swipe at Pep Guardiola.
It is not known whether Barcelona want to sign Angelino or not but they are looking for a long-term replacement for current left-back Jordi Alba.
(Image: PA)
Any agreement for Messi would naturally also involve some serious cash on top if City are to land the forward this summer.
The Barcelona captain is still hopeful of manufacturing his exit on a free transfer but the clause in his contract expired in June and the club are not likely to waiver that when they could command a fee for his services.
Messi’s release clause stands at £630million but Barca would no doubt be open to lower offers given they could lose the 33-year-old for nothing in 2021.
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(Image: REUTERS)
City look to be the favourites as Messi is said to be keen on reuniting with former boss Guardiola.
It is claimed he told Guardiola (via Marca ): “I want to win the next two Ballon d’Or awards, and I can only do that with you”.
And as per a report from The Times , City CEO Ferran Soriano is currently in Spain discussing a potential transfer.
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