Lionel Messi reportedly remains keen to leave Barcelona as soon as possible, leaving Manchester City to consider a bid for the forward in January.

The Premier League giants had wanted to sign the 33-year-old earlier this year, only for the hierarchy at the Catalan giants to insist that a £630m release clause must be activated.

However, interim president Carlos Tusquets has revealed that he would have sold Messi in the summer had he replaced Josep Maria Bartomeu at an earlier date.

According to The Sun, City may look to complete a deal for the Argentine during the January window, whether that be for a fee or on a pre-contract agreement.

Unless Messi has a change of heart, he will be able to hold discussions with foreign clubs at the beginning of 2021.

While Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be in the running, the French side are only interested in a free transfer at the end of the campaign.