Manchester City fans are not feeling the Christmas cheer here in the Football Transfer Tavern, as NBC Sport claim that the best player in the world will not join them after all.

The club have been linked with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi in recent weeks and as one of our regulars notes, that would certainly be the signing of the season – if not the one of the decade.

For so long now the Citizens have lived in the shadow of their neighbours Manchester United and despite finally beginning to win trophies, still do not have the global recognition or fear factor about them.

Of course netting Messi would change all of that and they certainly have the money to do it.

However, reports of an unhappy number ten at the Camp Nou may well be slightly premature and the player’s father himself has come out and struck down claims of a move.

Jorge Messi spoke to Diario Ole and claimed: “Barcelona fans must know that Lionel’s future is linked to this club.

“This chapter must be closed now, don’t seek anything more than a direct reply from Leo to the public declarations made by Mr. Faus.”

There had been whispers of a rift between Faus and the star forward, yet judging by these quotes, it is a very fixable rift.

If you ask anyone in the tavern, they seem to be under the impression that Messi is the most valuable asset at the club and if it came down to a choice between the player and Javier Faus, it is the latter who should leave.

Will Messi see out his career with the club that gave him so much? Let us know your thoughts below.

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