Manchester City could start to make inroads in their pursuit of Barcelona star Lionel Messi by agreeing a mega-money deal as early as January, according to reports.
The Argentine was linked with a move to the Etihad this summer after he told the club he wanted to depart.
Messi admitted defeat in his efforts to force through a move to reunite with Pep Guardiola after Barcelona insisted his astronomical £625million release clause was met.
The 33-year-old has just eight months left on his deal at the Nou Camp and as a result can speak to other clubs in the winter transfer window.