Manchester City are reportedly monitoring Lionel Messi's ongoing situation with Barcelona ahead of a potential summer offer.
After Eric Abidal took aim at a number of unnamed Barcelona players, Messi used social media to criticise the sporting director for failing to be more specific with his accusations.
Club officials have allegedly responded by calling a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the future of Abidal, who they may be willing to part ways with if it leads to Messi remaining at Camp Nou.
According to the Evening Standard, City are prepared to make an approach for the Argentina international if the forward indicates that he wishes to leave the Catalan giants.
Messi has previously worked with Pep Guardiola, while he is also said to hold a positive relationship with City chief executive Ferran Soriano and director of football Txiki Begiristain.
While Messi has a contract at Barcelona until 2021, it is believed that he is able to leave on a free transfer this summer.
Darren Plant
