Manchester City held three conversations over Lionel Messi and Neymar transfers in the summer
MANCHESTER CITY had THREE conversations with the representatives of Lionel Messi and Neymar before realising neither was attainable for now.
That was why Pep Guardiola intended to “place a firework up the backsides” of City’s squad with the message: his way, or the way out.
City’s boss has been given a promise that Sheikh Mansour will bankroll his rebuilding programme next summer — but he also expects to win the title this term.
That will require his five key lieutenants to lead by example.
David Silva and Sergio Aguero are considered vital if they can improve their defensive attributes and Kevin De Bruyne is viewed as essential.
Fernandinho is earmarked to be the ball-winner while Guardiola is “excited” to work with Sterling.
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The news of City's interest in the pair comes after former Barcelona president John Laporta said in the summer that the club were conspiring to sell Messi to Manchester City as he enters his final two years of a huge contract.
It would seem that Guardiola is in perhaps no rush to sign either of the players but could force Barcelona's hand next summer if Messi is yet to sign a contract which would leave him with just 1 year left on his current deal and the Catalans would not want to risk losing their best ever player for free.
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Barcelona's sporting director Robert Fernandez is confident Messi will sign a new contract this season with Barcelona as Guardiola and Manchester City can smell blood and are ready to pounce.
Neymar would prove more difficult to sign as the Brazilian has just signed a new 5 year contract and would command a huge fee as would Messi regardless of maybe only having one year left on his deal come next summer if he doesn't sign a new deal during the season.
What Barcelona will fear is Guardiola's influence with how he can attract any player in the world and the memories of winning so many trophies under the ex-Barcelona manager Messi could well be tempted in to joining the Man City revolution.