City deny Messi rumours

Barca ace not on City's wanted list

Last updated: 20th May 2009  

City deny Messi rumours

Messi: Not a City target

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Manchester City have denied making an attempt to sign Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Reports emanating from Spain claimed City had offered a blockbuster €150million deal to buy out the remainder of the 21-year-old's contract with Barca, and then pay him a further €10m a year to play at Eastlands.

Cash-rich City have been linked with a host of big-money signings in the summer as they look to establish themselves as a major force at home and abroad.

Earlier this month, City boss Mark Hughes hit out at the number of reports linking the club with players around the world since the Abu Dhabi United Group completed their takeover of the club last summer.

The club have moved quickly to reject the rumours of a move for Argentine schemer Messi.

"Manchester City Football Club note with interest the reports circulating in the Spanish media that the club have made an offer to the Barcelona player Lionel Messi and that he has turned down the chance to join the club," read a statement.

"While acknowledging that Lionel Messi is a world-class player of the highest calibre, Manchester City would like to make it clear that the club has at no time made an approach to Mr Messi or his representatives."