Manchester City are actively monitoring Lionel Messi's deteriorating situation at Barcelona. The Mail on Sunday says several issues are starting to sour Messi's relationship with Barca.
Unless they are resolved soon then there could be a tipping point. Indeed, rumours in Barcelona continue to grow that Messi could leave the Nou Camp by the end of the season.
City have the financial power and will to land the player and, at 26-years-old, they still see his massive commercial value - as well as outstanding ability on the pitch. Even if his wages would edge towards 500,000 euros a week.
Messi is currently in Argentina as he recovers from a troublesome hamstring injury. But public friction between him and the club is starting to emerge, with Barcelona indicating that they are not prepared to improve his 16 million euros a year contract, which runs until 2018.
There are also suggestions that president Sandro Rosell feels that despite all the success Barca have enjoyed with Messi, the time is approaching when the ever-evolving club might need a new jewel in their crown - as much for commercial reasons as football ones.
