Lionel Messi's dad 'already in Manchester negotiating transfer' with City after telling Barcelona he wants out

LIONEL MESSI'S dad is "already in Manchester negotiating a transfer", according to stunning reports.

The Barcelona great, 33, is set to quit his childhood club after nearly 20 years following a major fall out with the hierarchy.

Manchester City are the 5/2 favourites to land the Argentine if he does leave, reuniting with Pep Guardiola.

And according to RAC1 and TyC Sports, Jorge Messi has landed in England to discuss terms over a sensational Etihad switch.

The reports add that a two-year deal is being mulled over by Messi Sr.

However, it is still unclear whether a transfer fee would need to be paid.

Messi, whose deal runs out in 2021, believes a clause in his contract means he can leave for free this summer.

However, Barcelona reckon that offer expired back in June.

The counter argument to that being the clause is thought to end ten days after the Champions League final and therefore has been pushed back to August due to the delayed season.

Legal teams are set to work out exactly what the contract situation is but Barcelona are insisting Messi can only leave if. ateam matches his £631million release clause.

What we know so far:

• Messi demands Barcelona release him on a FREE transfer immediately
• The amazing clause in his contract that lets him leave for FREE
• Man City lead the chase for Messi's signature
• Rio Ferdinand claims Chelsea are in the hunt too
• Angry fans protest in Barcelona as superstar wants to leave

Reports earlier suggested Messi even contacted Guardiola, his former mentor and boss, over a switch to the Etihad.

Together the pair won two Champions League trophies and three LaLiga titles as Messi was guided into a false No9 role.

It was thought Paris Saint-Germain would be the Argentine's preferred choice where he could link up with Kylian Mbappe and former team-mate Neymar.

But the French champions are out of the running, as are Manchester United.

Chelsea and Inter Milan, however, continued to be linked.

More to follow

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