Spanish football journalist Euan McTear has refused to rule out the possibility of Manchester City making a sensational move for Lionel Messi despite already breaking the British transfer record for Jack Grealish.

Messi's incredibly successful stay at Barcelona has officially come to an end after it was confirmed La Liga regulations have stopped the Spanish giants being able to re-sign the Argentina international.

The 34-year-old saw his contract expire at the end of June but agreed to extend his stay at the Nou Camp by negotiating reduced terms on a new deal.

Despite wanting to remain at Barcelona, Messi has been forced to seek pastures new as he cannot be re-registered or sign the contract due to the club exceeding La Liga's wage limit.

According to Spanish media outlet Marca, a reunion with former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola at Manchester City is Messi's preferred choice despite interest from French outfit Paris Saint-Germain.

Although City announced the arrival of Aston Villa talisman Grealish for £100million just hours after news of Messi's departure broke, McTear still thinks the frontman who scored 672 goals in 778 appearances for Barcelona could end up at the Etihad Stadium.

He told Football FanCast: "Barcelona really needed to clear out a lot of wages to be able to register him with La Liga because they have a different system to other leagues.

"It sounds like Messi wanted to stay at Barcelona and wasn't considering other clubs but it's impossible for them to re-sign him, so he'll have to think of somewhere.

"City has always been one that has made a lot of sense."