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Football

23rd Oct 2015

Fans of Manchester United, City and Chelsea react to the Lionel Messi transfer news

Shock and awe

Kevin McGillicuddy

This would be sensational.

The Premier League could always do with a few more world-class players, and we maybe on the cusp of seeing the best in the world facing the likes of Dejan Lovren and John Terry in the not too distant future.

Earlier today we brought you the news that a Premier League club are set to blow a huge wad of cash in the face of Lionel Messi to try and tempt him to the English top flight.

Idle speculation, you say? Well maybe not – this one seems to have a bit more legs than the usual

According to various newspaper reports, everything today is suggesting that all that Messi, who’s under investigation for some tax difficulties in Spain, could be set to leave Camp Nou in 2017.

Any deal for the forward would likely be a world record, and figures this morning suggest that any transfer would be in excess of £180 million.

Speculation indicated that Chelsea were the early favourites.

But with Manchester City’s connections with Barcelona, plus the ‘refuse-to-go-away-rumours’ that Pep Guardiola will be in charge at the Etihad next season, many assumed that it would be the blue half of Manchester that would possibly temp the Argentine should his issues in Spain reach such a point that he decides his future is best served elsewhere.

But instead several reports suggest that it could be Louis van Gaal’s red army that could swoop for Messi.

United have chased a marquee signing for the past two summers, but Ed Woodward has failed to secure deals for Gareth Bale, Thomas Muller and/or Cristiano Ronaldo.

But Messi would certainly fit the bill as a ‘marquee name’.

And Manchester United fans are already getting very, very excited at the prospect of Messi teaming up with Anthony Martial and and Co.

https://twitter.com/ozair7/status/657452874209751041

https://twitter.com/TheRegistaRole_/status/657480713957081088

https://twitter.com/ffsUnited/status/657486627451838464

https://twitter.com/AxAs23/status/657482327631773696

Chelsea fans are also preparing to buy some new pants if he does arrive at Stamford Bridge.

While others a bit more sceptical.

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