Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Lionel Messi Rumours, Adidas Tipped to Boost Bid

Lionel Messi is "considering a summer move to Chelsea after becoming embroiled in a cash dispute" with Barcelona, according to James Dickenson of the Express, who cites another Express report and believes Blues sponsors Adidas "could help broker a shock deal."

This is something midfielder Cesc Fabregas would love to see. The Spanish star, who assisted and scored during Monday's 2-0 win over Stoke, has made it clear he would welcome the Argentinian maestro to Stamford Bridge, per Dickenson:

"

I wish! Why not? I'd love that to happen. I'd be all for it. As a Barca man, I believe that Messi deserves to retire at Barca for all that he has given the club. He is a legend that has changed Barca history. But, as his team-mate and friend, without doubt I'd love to have Leo by my side. This season Barca are Messi and ten others. Messi has saved his team on many occasions.

"

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Messi continues to be linked with a (unlikely) £200 million move away from La Liga, per a separate Express report (h/t Jamie Sanderson of Metro). It was reported by Mundo Deportivo (h/t Pete Jenson of the Daily Mail) in 2013 that Adidas "offered to pay half" of Messi's £210 million buyout clause. Such a deal makes business sense for the sportswear company, who currently watch Leo wear Nike's shirt when he plays for Barcelona.

This type of deal—which sees a third-party stump up a significant amount of cash—could expose a loophole in UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is currently tasked with ensuring the club breaks even every season, but Adidas' spending technically wouldn't affect Chelsea's accounts. This is likely something the European governing body would battle against.

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Messi has scored 23 goals and provided nine assists in 22 performances this season, per WhoScored.com.

He is forming an effective trident alongside Neymar and Luis Suarez, providing Barca with a frightening incision up top. Perhaps, ironically, if Mourinho keeps utilising the 4-2-3-1 which saw Fabregas play behind Diego Costa against Stoke, it would likely be the Spaniard who loses his place if Messi arrives.

Fabregas is in fantastic form this season, as noted by the Premier League's official Twitter account and Squawka:

Of course, one shouldn't get ahead of themselves. Messi recently confirmed to Ole (h/t the Express) he wants to remain at Barca "forever," so it's likely he will only exit if pushed through the door.

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UEFA's financial guidelines ensure only a handful of clubs—the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United—would ever be able to consider bringing him in.

Most of the £200 million would need to be made back in order to stop potential suitors from breaching the new regulations. City and PSG already have experience of fines and European squad caps delivered to those who don't comply.

Fabregas' words should certainly be taken tongue-in-cheek. The former Arsenal man clearly understands Messi's importance to Barcelona, having seen it firsthand, and he indicated the best thing for the player is to remain with his childhood club.

That won't stop many dreaming of a Premier League stint for Messi, who like Fabregas, has the natural craft and quality to excel in the English division.