It is likely that Lionel Messi will go to Manchester City but it is by no means obvious according to a report in today’s print edition of Italian daily newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

Messi is trying to free himself from current employers Barcelona and Inter are waiting for the right moment to make a move with Inter president Steven Zhang wanting to know how much it will cost to prize him away from Barcelona.

Messi has already chosen his future is away from Barcelona and Manchester City are described as being in pole position whilst Inter are studying the situation.

The signing of Arturo Vidal and keeping a hold of Lautaro Martinez could help Inter in their pursuit of Messi. Messi’s father has also recently bought property a stones throw away from Inter’s headquarters and the Italian tax laws would be very much beneficial to Messi if he were to join Inter.

The report concludes that Suning are scanning the Chinese market for sponsors who can assist the club in affording Messi, something which could well help Inter overtake Manchester City and beat them to Messi.