Lionel Messi believes he is now a free agent and can walk out on Barcelona

Manchester City could sign Lionel Messi while he is still in dispute with Barcelona, but they would risk being hit with sanctions and a possible £629million (€700m) bill if FIFA ended up ruling in the Spanish club's favour.

Messi believes he is a free agent. Barcelona say he is tied to the club for another year and with the huge release clause.

If City believe Messi is right they could get a provisional international transfer certificate (ITC) from FIFA and register him to play this coming season.