City Encouraged to Sign Messi as Bayern Pull Out of Race

Bayern Munich chairman Karl Heinz Rummenigge has denied that the German club are considering signing Barcelona star Lionel Messi - who is also being linked with Manchester City.

Spanish media recently reported that the Argentinian star could quit Barcelona next summer and some have suggested Bayern as a possible destination due to Pep Guardiola. The former Barcelona coach and Messi won three La Liga titles and the Champions League twice together at Barcelona.

"We are talking about absurd amounts of money. Messi's release clause is €250 m, even higher than the amount (€40m) we paid for Javi Martinez. We will not do that," Rummenigge told German Sky Sports.

"Barcelona president is an old friend of mine and I know that will never sell Messi. He is a Barcelona Saint. I think the best for Messi woud be staying in Barcelona," added.

Guardiola said almost the same last week when German journalist asked him about the possibility to sign Messi.

"I would not sign Messi. Barcelona is the best place for him."

In the last hours other reports have claimed that Manchester City could be another choice for the Argentinean star after his compatriot Pablo Zabaleta revealed that Messi used to asked him about City when he moved to England.

"He asked me a lot about City but I couldn't tell him much because I didn't know much myself - but it's something we often talk about. Plus the fact that I am still here." Zabaleta told The Times.

Messi recently reaffirmed his desire to end his career at Barcelona although he is flattered about the interest from other clubs in acquiring him.

"My intention is to stay at Barcelona forever. I appreciate it, if it is true what is said, that there are clubs interested. It makes you proud that people say these things, but my life is in Barcelona."

Messi is currently injured with a thigh problem that has ruled him out for the rest of 2013.