Messi picks Man City as next club

Photo: AFP

Lionel Messi has decided he wants to play for Manchester City after handing in a transfer request at Barcelona, according to journalist Marcelo Bechler.

Having decided he wants a new challenge after two decades at Camp Nou, the 33-year-old is looking for a reunion with Pep Guardiola and has already made contact with his former coach.

Bechler is considered a reliable source regarding Barcelona, having broken Paris Saint-Germain's bid for Neymar three years ago.

Bechler says there is no decision on what fee Messi may command, though the Argentine believes a clause which allows him to leave on a free should still be valid.