LEO THE LION
Lionel Messi wanted by Chelsea boss Frank Lampard after transfer request, claims Rio Ferdinand
RIO FERDINAND claims former England team-mate Frank Lampard wants to bring Lionel Messi to Chelsea.
Barcelona were rocked on Tuesday when their legendary forward demanded a stunning free transfer thanks to a secret clause in his contract.
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Messi does not want to play for new boss Ronald Koeman, who replaced Quique Setien in the wake of the 8-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.
And the 33-year-old is now looking to leave Barcelona before the end of the month.
Manchester City and Inter Milan are leading the race for Messi, who is also unhappy with Koeman’s decision to axe Luis Suarez over the phone.
However, Manchester United icon Ferdinand claims that Chelsea boss Lampard has thrown his hat in the ring.
The Blues have already landed Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner in big-money moves.
Kai Havertz is on the verge of a club-record £90million switch from Bayer Leverkusen.
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And Ben Chilwell is set to complete a £50m move from Leicester City.
- LIVE: Latest news on Messi's exit
- Messi demanded transfer after Koeman told him "privileges are over"
- The Argentine star faxed his decision to Barcelona
- Fans have been protesting outside the Nou Camp
- Rio Ferdinand claims Chelsea are trying to sign Messi
- Man City favourites to sign him ahead of Man Utd, Inter and PSG
Centre-backs Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr are also expected to join on free transfers in the coming days.
And Ferdinand now reckons Messi could be the next arrival at Stamford Bridge.
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He tweeted: “Just heard Frank Lampard is now in for Messi.
“Some window this if Frank pulls this off!”
It now remains to be seen if Messi is granted a free transfer, with Barcelona apparently convinced his termination clause expired in June despite coronavirus delaying and then extending the 2019/20 season across Europe.
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