The Sun claim the Argentines superstar’s father, Jorge Messi, has held discussions with City bigwigs about a stunning move.
Txiki Begiristain - who is director of football at City - knows Messi well having worked at the Nou Camp until 2012.
Sources have told The Sun that the duo have discussed a move to the Premier League.
A switch this summer doesn’t look likely - but he could be Manchester bound in 12 months time.
Messi, 30, has a new contract offer on the table from the La Liga giants.
However, he is yet to pen the extension.
If he continues to refuse, Messi could walk away from Catalonia next summer for nothing.
Barcelona have had a tumultuous summer.
Ernesto Valverde was drafted in to replace Luis Enrique who decided to quit Barca at the end of last season.
But the former Athletic Bilbao boss lost Neymar to PSG and he’s also struggled to attract fresh faces to the Nou Camp.
Nelson Semedo, Gerard Deulofeu and Paulinho have all been drafted in.
A big name buy hasn’t been forthcoming, though.
Valverde is eyeing Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho - but a deal is yet to materialise despite repeated bids for the Brazilian.
And The Sun say the 53-year-old boss is now facing more woes with Messi becoming increasingly unsettled.
