Liverpool legend tips Man Utd to beat City to stunning Lionel Messi deal
Graeme Souness says he could “easily” see Manchester United challenging Manchester City for a deal to sign Lionel Messi, according to a report.
Messi has suffered a tumultuous season at Barcelona both on and off the pitch.
Off it, he has clashed with senior Barca figures as his relationship with the club’s board has become strained.
Indeed, he hit out at sporting director Eric Abidal over his claims that certain players were unhappy with former boss Ernesto Valverde.
On it, meanwhile, Barca crashed out of the Champions League in humiliating circumstances for a third season in a row, losing 8-2 to Bayern Munich. In LaLiga, Real Madrid pipped the Catalan club to the LaLiga title.
The developments come amid claims that City are keen on a move. Pep Guardiola’s side are reportedly willing to pay whatever it takes to sign the Argentine – who has reportedly told Barca he wants to leave.
Writing in a column for The Times, however, Souness said he could see the forward at either Manchester club.
“Lionel Messi looked like a man who has had enough of carrying that team,” Souness said.
“Without him they wouldn’t even be good enough to qualify for the Champions League.
“This would be the perfect week to put a bid in for the 33-year-old Argentinian and I could easily see him playing in Manchester — at either United or City.”
The speculation over Messi’s future could heighten given he has only one year left on his current deal.
Messi, a lifelong Barca player, last signed an extension to his deal in 2017. However, he is reportedly close to a new deal which features a clause allowing him to end the terms at his discretion.
SANCHO URGED TO HOLD OFF ON MAN UTD MOVE
Meanwhile, Danny Murphy has urged Jadon Sancho to hold off on a move to United.
The Red Devils remain locked in talks with Borussia Dortmund about a deal for the winger, although progress has slowed.
Now, Murphy has insisted that Sancho will receive far more interest next summer if he postpones a big move.
