The summer has been tough on FC Barcelona. The team are reeling from the departure of Brazilian Neymar and no signings have been made to shore up attack and midfield properly.

Amidst all this they might now have to turn their attention to their superstar Lionel Messi and the rumours that English club Manchester City are trying to pay his release clause.

According to C+ Francia, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are prepared to pay Lionel Messi’s 300 million euro release clause.

Messi, who is yet to put pen to paper on a new contract had previously agreed to sign the new deal.

Earlie on July 5, it was reported that Messi had agreed terms for a new deal. Five times a Ballon d'Or winner, the Argentinean forward was entering the final 12 months of his current deal before the new one was agreed.

He was supposed to sign the deal upon arriving at Barcelona but that has not happened. The speculation gets credence since Messi has not signed the contract he was supposed to sign on July 15. Neymar’s buy-out clause was paid by PSG and Barcelona could not do much about it.

However, one thing must be considered - Neymar was eager for the move. Unless the player is open to a move, paying the release clause does not amount to anything.

Meesi’s current contract will expire next summer. Spanish newspaper Sport reported about the news from C+ Francia as well. As long as Messi does not sign his contract Barcelona will be extremely nervous.

Sport also reported that Manchester City owner Khaldoon Al Mubarak had announced that Manchester City will be making the most expensive transfer in their history before the transfer window closes.