Manchester City 'believe they are winning Lionel Messi race'

Manchester City reportedly feel that they remain the frontrunners in the race to sign Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.

Despite missing out on the legendary forward during the summer, City are one of a number of clubs hoping to entice the Argentine into a transfer later in 2021.

The 33-year-old has less than six months left on his contract at Camp Nou, a situation which allows him to hold talks with foreign teams.

While Paris Saint-Germain have been tipped to make a move for the playmaker, The Telegraph says that City officials are unconcerned about rival interest.

City allegedly feel that they are in a position to successfully negotiate a deal with Messi, who could also be provided with a route to the MLS later in his career.