Due to UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations, only Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester United would be able to afford Lionel Messi in the event that the Barcelona star leaves the Nou Camp.
Realistically, a move to Madrid would seem highly unlikely which has led speculation to rest at the corridors of power at Old Trafford and towards his former boss Pep Guardiola in Bavaria.
But would Man United be prepared to spend over €300M to acquire the four-time Ballon D'Or-winning genius?
Tonight on Off The Ball, we spoke to a man who always has his ear to the ground when it comes to events at Old Trafford - United We Stand fanzine editor Andy Mitten.
"What I do know is that Ed Woodward (United's executive vice-chairman) would be aware of the situation for every player that Manchester United might be interested in," said Mitten, who divides his time between Manchester and Barcelona and spoke about the team behind Messi which pushes for contracts and re-affirm the player's value.
"United have got the money. I spoke to Ed Woodward last year in an interview and he said 'we will not be beaten for price by any other club'. [Messi] would fit in with United's policy of buying this sort of top level, world class players. Money, I don't think is an issue. So, if Messi decided to leave Barcelona, which I don't think he wants to do, he's limited to a couple of clubs."
Listen in to the full interview below via the podcast
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