Manchester City have opened talks with Barcelona for Lionel Messi, it has been revealed.
The Sun says negotiations between executives of both clubs were held at the end of last month to determine if a world record transfer is possible.
City did not make a formal bid for the five-time World Player of the Year, but made it clear they were not afraid of topping the global high of £89m that Manchester United paid Juventus for Paul Pogba last summer.
Barca have so far refused to name a price or even confirm they will sell Messi, who will turn 30 in June.
However, their willingness to listen to City has encouraged the Etihad hierarchy and the conversation was described as 'positive' by a source.
City will pay £100million to sign Messi, who will be offered £800,000 a week to move to England.