Manchester City is reportedly "confident" of signing Lionel Messi next summer as reports have emerged that the Argentinian forward is having "contract disputes" with his current mother club Barcelona.

The Independent reported that the Premier League club is ready to receive the five-time Ballon d'Or winner should he "decide to part ways with Barcelona" as local reports from Spain claim that Messi "will turn down" a contract extension with the Catalan giants.

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City manager Pep Guardiola was Messi's former coach at Barça from 2008 to 2012. Their partnership resulted in three La Liga championships, two Copa del Reys, three Supercopa de España titles, and two UEFA Champions League trophies among many others.

Guardiola is rumored to be persuading Messi to join him in Manchester as the Citizens are reportedly the "leading suitors" for the signature of who is considered as the greatest footballer in the world right now.

Aside from Guardiola, Messi is also known to be in good terms with City officials CEO Ferran Soriano and football director Txiki Begiristain, which would make the potential transfer an easy one for the 29-year-old playmaker. City striker Sergio Agüero, another Argentina national team player, is one of Messi's closest friends as well.

Messi's deal with Barça is set to expire on 2018 and his refusal to sign a new deal is said to be an indication that he is considering a move away from the Camp Nou in the near future.

USA Today indicated that Messi is planning to "reevaluate his options at the end of his contract," which is alarming Barcelona officials at the moment.

Guardiola had denied allegations that he is trying to convince Messi to leave Spain and join him in England, saying that he wants him to finish his career in Barcelona.

"I did not call Messi, I want him to finish his career here (in Barcelona)," Guardiola said last month in the eve of a Champions League encounter between City and Barça. "If he decides to leave, there will be a list of 4-6 clubs that will want to sign him in."

"But that will be decided by him, not me or anyone else," the coach added.

Tags Football Transfer Rumors, Football Transfer Rumors 2016, lionel messi, FC Barcelona, Manchester City