Manchester City have not given up on signing Lionel Messi for free this summer, but will wait until March or April before making a move.
Messi's contract with the Catalan giants expires at the end of the season, but he has been permitted to speak to other clubs since January.
Manchester City – who tried to sign the Argentina international in August – will face competition from Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG have taken a different approach to City when it comes to signing Messi. The Ligue 1 side have made their interest in forward known, whereas Pep Guardiola's side are said to be biding their time.