MADRID: Lionel Messi has contacted his former mentor Pep Guardiola regarding his move to Manchester City, Spanish media reported.

It follows Messi’s actions that shocked management at the Nou Camp when he sent an application to leave the club.

Inter Milan and City began monitoring the movement of the Barcelona star after he began to show his frustration with the Spanish giants.

According to local Catalunya media, City Guardiola boss, who has been with Messi at Barca for four seasons, is already in talks with the player.

Together, they won two Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles.

The lawyer representing the 33-year-old sent a fax to Barcelona saying Messi wanted to end his contract through a release clause.

But the club believes the clause cannot be applied as it has expired, and Messi will have to stay until summer next year.

However, the unusual situation of the league which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be used as a backup for Messi’s team of lawyers to revive the clause – which expired on June 10.