Manchester City are reportedly willing to offer Barcelona three of their star players plus cash in an audacious attempt to lure Lionel Messi to the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola's side has emerged as the frontrunners for Messi's signature after the Argentina superstar handed in a transfer request at Barcelona earlier this week.
The Premier League title contenders are believed to have already entered into negotiations with the 33-year-old, who is said to be keen on reuniting with his former manager.
Scroll through the mini-gallery above to see the three players City will reportedly offer to Barcelona
However, City are expected to face resistance from Barcelona, who have made their position clear that any club hoping to sign Messi will have to activate his €700 million (R14 billion) release clause.
According to Spanish publication Sport, Guardiola's side has now tried to come up with a creative solution to twist the Catalan giants' arm, which would not cripple the club or raise further scrutiny when it comes to Financial Fair Play.
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The English outfit is said to be preparing a swap deal that would see Gabriel Jesus, Bernardo Silva and Eric Garcia all offered to Barcelona, along with €100 million (R1.9 billion) in cash.
The apparent logic behind the offer is that Jesus and Silva would serve as direct replacements for Messi and Suarez, who is also expected to leave, while Barca would also bolster their defence with a defender who has been on their radar for some time.
The total value of the Citizens' offer would amount to about €252 million (R5 billion), which, while nowhere near Barca's asking price, could be enough to entice the LaLiga giants to part ways with their talisman.