Inter management are prepared to challenge Manchester City for the signature of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi according to a report from Italian broadcaster Sport Mediaset, which was broadcast late last night.

The multi-time world player of the year’s contract with his current employers is due to expire at the end of this season and he will not sign a new deal with the Blaugrana and will walk free as he has no intention of remaining in Spain.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who previously worked with him at Barcelona, would like him at the Premier League club but this report claims that they will face competition from Inter, who are ready to challenge City by offering a deal to Messi worth no less than €50 million a year.

This season the Argentine national team player has made 11 appearances across all competitions to date and in his time on the park he has scored six goals and provided four assists for his teammates.