Manchester United made contact with Leo Messi's camp two years ago when he was leaving Barcelona, it has been revealed.

Messi was forced to leave Barca over the club's financial plight, eventually signing for PSG in a celebrated deal.

The Sun says at the time, United made enquiries about bringing Messi to England.

Indeed, the move was initiated by Messi's camp, led by his father Jorge, and they received a positive response with United making a contract offer to the Argentine.

However, in the end Messi chose to join PSG.

Meanwhile, the World Cup winner is now coming off contract and it's suggested United could try again if Sheikh Jassim's full blown takeover is successful.