Pellegrini: Manchester City links with Messi are normal

The Chilean is unsurprised to hear talk that the reigning Premier League champions could swoop for the Barcelona star but suggests that they did not come from the club

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has brushed off reports linking his side with a move for Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi as "normal".

The Argentine forward's future at Camp Nou is in question after a falling-out with coach Luis Enrique and City's financial muscle makes them one of the few clubs who could potentially afford to sign him were he to leave.

Pellegrini, though, simply takes the suggestion of a Messi bid as fanciful talk that comes with being at a club the size of the reigning Premier League champions.

"It is normal to be linked to the best players in the market," he told AS. "Sometimes those rumours emerge from personal interests and not because of the club.

"It is important to work at a club that has the ability to buy good players. Here, 20 clubs have the possibility. In Spain I think that there are three, maybe four with Valencia. That's the big difference."

Messi missed out on the Ballon d'Or on Monday, finishing second in the voting behind Cristiano Ronaldo.

Posted by Unknown on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 - Rating: 4.5

Title : Pellegrini: Manchester City links with Messi are normal
Description : The Chilean is unsurprised to hear talk that the reigning Premier League champions could swoop for the Barcelona star but suggests that they...

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