The Barcelona skipper has been heavily linked with a move to Etihad.
Lionel Messi has reportedly demanded both Pep Guardiola and Sergio Aguero to stay at Etihad in the event of joining Manchester City.
The Argentine skipper was close to leaving Barca this summer but he decided to stay put in the end. Man City were touted to be the possible destination as Messi himself was interested in joining hands with his former manager Pep Guardiola.
Citizens are understood to be still in the race for Messi as they look to agree a pre-contract in January.
Messi also remains coy over his future as his current deal with Barca expires next summer, with no signs of extension talks yet.
Amidst the transfer interest, the Argentine has demanded City to keep hold of his compatriot Sergio Aguero and manager Guardiola.
Aguero’s contract at Etihad expires next summer and Guardiola is yet to pen a contract extension as his current deal expires in 2021.
Another season with no significant trophies could be the end of Guardiola’s time at Etihad as it would be with Aguero.
Elsewhere, PSG are also looking to recruit Messi next summer should he leave the Nou Camp once and for all. Les Parisiens are also said to be plotting an ambitious move for Cristiano Ronaldo as they are looking to do the unexpected in the financially-hit transfer window.
It remains to be seen which of the clubs would be able to sign the Argentine skipper or he would remain as a Barcelona player until he hangs up his boots.
