Manchester United ‘put machinery in motion’ for huge signing – Big claims coming from Spain

Sometimes when we cover an outlandish rumour, it feels like we should start by apologising. This is one of those occasions.

Spain’s Cuatro are reporting Manchester United have ‘put the machinery in motion’ to sign Lionel Messi. There’s been much speculation around the player’s future, and Cuatro say there’s no shortage of offers for the Barcelona star.

Manchester United are ‘on the prowl’ and have already kicked off their efforts to sign the Argentine, according to the claims.

The Red Devils are presented as being the club with the best conditions, in terms of financial strength, to sign Messi. There’s also said to be interest from Inter Milan, Inter Miami, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Should he really decide to leave Barcelona, which still feels unlikely, then Cuatro believe Manchester United will be in pole position to sign him.

This isn’t being reported strongly in the media closest to the Catalan club, or in Argentina, so a huge pinch salt is inevitably needed. Messi is now 33 years of age, on a huge contract, and would likely push for at least a two year deal should he decided to move.