Manchester City are exploring the possibility of signing Lionel Messi from Barcelona, ESPN reports.
However, the former Premier League champions will only make a bid, if they will not breach Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.
City also need Barca to agree to sell their prized assets before making a move.
So far, the LaLiga giants have insisted Messi is untransferable and is protected by a €700million (£632million) release clause.
But City continue to keep an eye on the situation, after the 32-year-old admitted he could leave.
Barcelona endured a miserable season under managers Ernesto Valverde and Quique Setien, which ended in an 8-2 thrashing in the Champions League, as they finished a season trophyless for the first time since 2008.
It led to the sacking of Setien, who has been replaced by Ronald Koeman, with the future of many players up in the air.