Unlikely but not impossible, according to the Mirror, which reports that "City have met Messi's representatives to discuss the possibility of bringing the Argentina star to the Premier League."

It claims talks were held last week amid Messi's "growing dissatisfaction with the state of the Barcelona squad" following the world-record departure of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain.

Although Messi agreed terms on a new contract earlier in the summer, the deal remains unsigned and the Mirror says "City's interest is long-standing and they are understood to be prepared to use his £275 million release clause to sign him if the possibility presents itself."

It quotes Barcelona sources as saying Messi "is seriously considering leaving" -- and so, as they say, watch this space.