As reported by The Mirror, Manchester City are plotting an incredible £100m move for Barcelona megastar Lionel Messi this summer.

What's the story?

With just 16 months left on his contract at the Nou Camp, Lionel Messi has yet to commit to the Catalan giants with a new deal.

Now, say The Mirror, Manchester City are confident the Argentinian is ready to quit life in Barcelona and they're hoping to capitalise, willing to spend up to £100m on the 29 year old.

The report says that there are no current plans for the player's representative to enter new contract discussions with the club, with a realisation from the hierarchy at the Nou Camp that this side is rapidly approaching the end of an era.

With Messi said to favour working under Guardiola, it gives Manchester City a massive advantage, say The Mirror.

Football Soccer - FC Barcelona v Manchester City - UEFA Champions League Group Stage - Group C - The Nou Camp, Barcelona, Spain - 19/10/16
Barcelona's Lionel Messi speaks with Manchester City's Sergio Aguero 
Action Images via Reuters / John Sibley
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The catalyst?

Any move for Lionel Messi could spark great success and finally kick-off the Pep Guardiola era at Manchester City after a tough season in his first term. The Barcelona legend's record speaks for itself and he'd undoubtedly provide a massive boost to the City first team.

The forward hasn't failed to score 40 goals in a season for the last seven years, totalling an incredible 485 in 564 games for Barcelona. Despite being at the top of the game for a decade, there's plenty of life left in Messi's legs and any move would surely be the catalyst for major silverware at the Etihad.

If the reported deal can be done, it's a no brainer from Manchester City's perspective.

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