Manchester City planning record 250 mln-pound swoop to bag Barcelona star Lionel Messi

London: Manchester City are reportedly speculated to be working on a 250 million-pound deal to add Lionel Messi to Manuel Pellegrini's squad this summer.

City are reportedly said to be plotting a world-record move to bring the Argentine to English football as he is considering a new challenge at the end of his contract this season at Barcelona.

According to Metro.co.uk, the 250 million-pound deal would comfortable make Messi, who is enduring a frustrating season with Barcelona, the most expensive footballer of all time.

However, it is yet unclear if Barca would reportedly consider selling their prize asset despite dragging negotiations over a contract extension for Messi to stay at the Nou Camp.

Messi would be reportedly handed a giant salary if he moves to the Etihad Stadium, which is speculated to be more than the 3,00,000 pounds-a-week, which Wayne Rooney currently takes home at Manchester United.

Despite Barca's uncertainty over selling Messi, given a forthcoming transfer ban that would not allow them to buy a replacement, City are confident that Argentine international wants out of the club, the report added.