Barcelona could be tempted to sell Lionel Messi in January for the reason that the captain might leave for free when his current contract ends.

The Argentine signed a new four-year contract with Barcelona in 2017 and it expires in June 2021 which makes him a free agent.

He was determined to leave the Blaugranas in the summer but desired to stay to avoid any legal battles with his childhood club.

Messi seems out of form this summer with many attributing his poor performance as a lack of commitment to Barcelona, having been allowed to sit out of games for a couple of times by Ronald Koeman.

The Sun reports that Manchester City have reignited their interest in the 33-year old and could force Barcelona to sell their talisman in January.

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Guardiola’s recent two-year contract extension at the Etihad is a beacon of hope to the Citizen fans that the six-time Balon d’Or winner could finally end up in the Premier League especially with the relationship the Argentine has established with his former manager, winning two Champions League trophies during his time with the Blaugranas.

Guardiola’s team is missing their usual form in the Premier League this season having lost twice already after nine games.

Sergio Aguero is failing to be relied on due to injury concerns after undergoing surgery in the summer yet has been sidelined for another, affecting the attacking department of the team.

Jack Grealish was speculated to be on the radar of City but his price tag of more than £100m seems too big for the former Champions and could switch to bring Messi to the Etihad.

Pep wants to win a Champions League trophy this season, so is Messi, therefore, their common interest could bring them together.