Lionel Messi

London: English Premier League side Manchester City is reportedly preparing a staggering offer worth 200 million pounds (USD 247 million) to sign FC Barcelona star forward Lionel Messi next summer, according to English media reports.

The London-based tabloid Sunday Mirror yesterday reported that the Mancunian club is prepared to pay Messi a basic wage of 500,000 pounds (USD 617,700) per week, reports Efe.

"The Blues believed that their appointment of Messi's former Barça boss Pep Guardiola as manager last summer would put them in pole position to sign the player should he ever decide to leave the Nou Camp," the newspaper said.