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‘United have the financial power to sign Messi’

Lionel Messi
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Ex-Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley believes Manchester United boast the financial power to sign Lionel Messi.

If there are few clubs able to afford a certain Lionel Messi, Manchester United are one of them.

The 33-year-old sent the football world into frenzy when news of his request to leave Barcelona surfaced on Tuesday.

Messi has a reported €700million clause in his contract but he is pushing to terminate his contract and leave for free.

The forces at Barcelona are not happy to see this play out and it could even end up with a legal battle.

Moving to a potential transfer, only a few clubs can afford a mega-superstar like Messi.

Even on a free transfer, the Argentine will command hefty wages that a majority of clubs globally dare not think of for a single player.

Manchester City, PSG and Inter Milan are some of the clubs in the fore-front to sign the Barca star at the moment.

Weighing on a possible move to the Premier League, Craig Burley believes Manchester United can handle the finances that come with Messi.

“If you look at the clubs that have got the finances to do it, Manchester City, Chelsea have spent big already, Man United have the clout,” Burley was quoted by Express Sport.

“There is no doubt about it, Manchester United have the financial clout and the pedigree to go after a player like this.

“Now, from their point of view, they’re trying to peg this huge gap back to Liverpool and City – what a statement that would be.

“I just don’t know how all the finances would add up but believe me, Manchester United easily have the clout to pull a Messi signing off.”

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