Lionel Messi has reportedly agreed a staggering €700m (£623m) deal with City Football Group as the Argentine prepares to leave Barcelona.

The forward recently told Barca that he wants to leave the Catalan giants during this summer's transfer window, and the South American's father and agent Jorge Messi has flown to Spain for talks.

Manchester City have emerged as the favourites for the 33-year-old despite suggestions that Chelsea, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan were also interested.

According to the Daily Record, Messi has agreed a five-year deal with the City Football Group which will see him represent City before eventually joining MLS outfit New York City FC.

The report claims that the attacker is likely to spend three seasons with the Citizens before moving to North America, although there is 'a degree of flexibility' in the deal.

Messi was not present during Barca's pre-season training session on Monday, while he also did not turn up for a coronavirus screening on Sunday as he looks for an exit.

The four-time Champions League winner has a contract at Camp Nou until next June, but he is attempting to leave on a free transfer despite a clause allowing him to depart for nothing this summer expiring in June.