Manchester United Transfer News: Lionel Messi Rumours Emerge Amid Barcelona Talk

Barcelona's Lionel Messi is reportedly preparing to leave the Catalan giants with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea among those hoping to tempt the superstar into a sensational switch to the Premier League.

According to the Sun's Martin Lipton (via the Mirror), the forward "is ready to quit" the Blaugrana and the three English clubs have all "made contact with Messi's representatives, with one of the trio making contact on two occasions in the last week."

Further, several of Messi's friends currently playing in England "have attempted to convince him to move" to the Premier League, where he "wants to test himself," and the Argentinian is reportedly less enamoured with life in Spain due to he and his father Jorge's impending trial for alleged tax avoidance—something they deny—which could lead to jail time if convicted.

Emilio Morenatti/Associated Press

With the exception of Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi is widely considered the best player on the planet and a clear head and shoulders above the rest of the field.

Indeed, the four-time Ballon d'Or winner holds a mind-blowing tally of 418 goals and 191 assists in 492 appearances for Barcelona and will likely finish his career as Argentina's all-time top goalscorer as his haul of 49 puts him second in the rankings, just seven behind Gabriel Batistuta.

Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez believes the world needs to treasure the 28-year-old while they can:

As the Mirror's report noted, Messi has three years left on his contract, which has a €250 million release clause.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

The money involved is a sizeable obstacle, but the three clubs mentioned are among the top four richest in the league along with Arsenal, and with the relaxation of UEFA's financial fair play initiative, United, City and Chelsea could well be able to afford his services.

Crucially, Bleacher Report columnist Guillem Balague noted their interest hasn't been dismissed by Messi's camp:

The forward has spoken in the past of his hope of retiring with Barca, the club he has played for since 2001.

A supposed desire to "test himself" elsewhere isn't likely to hold much sway over him as the prospect of finishing his career at the club that made him the player he is, the club at which he is revered as the best in a pantheon of true greats, is probably more tempting.

Further, the sky-high wages he would undoubtedly be offered would likely be met by the Blaugrana, who will be desperate to keep him at the club.

The trial is something of an X-factor, though, and depending on the outcome it's far from inconceivable Messi could be frustrated with life in Spain, but United, Chelsea and City supporters shouldn't hold their breath just yet.