Man City and PSG ponder Messi transfer with Barcelona star open to talks

Lionel Messi is now free to talk to other clubs as his Barcelona contract enters its final six months.

The Argentine almost left the Nou Camp last summer before opting to stay put for another year.

Manchester City and PSG were two of the clubs most heavily linked with his services and can now begin discussions should they wish.

Messi decided against taking the Catalans to court as he attempted to force through his departure.

But the 33-year-old's future is far from certain with both City and PSG looking to lure him away from Spain.

The transfer move that would eclipse anything else in history has again reignited with Marca's front page stating "Messi is free to negotiate".

A switch to the Etihad would allow the forward to reunite with Pep Guardiola while heading to Paris would see him team up again with Neymar.

Incoming PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is keen on his compatriot and the club are hoping to utilise the relationships between some of their key individuals and the Argentine.

It is understood that no decision has yet been made with the upcoming Barcelona presidential election having no bearing on Messi's future.

The Argentine has grown frustrated with the way Barcelona operate and publicly aired his greivances on several occasions last season.

Josep Maria Bartomeu has since stepped down in a move that will increase Messi's chances of staying.

But the possibility remains that he could end a near two-decade association with the Catalan giants.

The 33-year-old has come out recently and appeared to underline his commitment to Barcelona.

Messi spoke openly about the difficulties he experienced as he sought pastures new.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner signalled his desire to leave via a burofax and thought a clause in his contract allowed him to leave for free.

Barcelona argued though that the deadline to activate it had passed.