Leo Messi's father Jorge says it's unlikely that his son will remain at Barcelona for the coming season following the world player of the year informing the club that he wants to leave.
Messi make the club aware of his intentions last week via Burofax and his lawyers believe a clause in his contract should allow him to walk away from Camp Nou on a free transfer.
Barcelona argue that the clause expired in May and that prospective buyers will need to pay their captain's 700-million Euro buy-out in order to sign him in the next month.
Jorge Messi held talks with the Catalan club's under-fire president Josep Maria Bartomeu last night and he says it would be "difficult" for his son to make a u-turn and remain at Barca for the coming campaign.
He added that no discussions have taken place between the Messis with Manchester City or their manager Pep Guardiola about a prospective move to the Etihad.
But Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font, thinks Barcelona's record goalscorer is looking to move to the Premier League.
What is clear is the priority for Messi is to play in a team that can compete for the top silverware worldwide and in Europe," he told TalkSport.
“He wants to win more Champions Leagues and obviously Manchester City and Pep are top candidates.
“I’m truly hoping reason prevails and as soon as the club and Messi’s father sit down and talk, that the interest of both Messi and Barca will be taken into account and properly protected.
“What I believe is very important is that a reasonable agreement is reached, so that we protect the interests of the club going forward.
“The damage this is doing to Barcelona is quite phenomenal. That’s why we insist in the relevance of managing this properly because it can still be contained.”
