United line up sensational move for Europe's top rated player

Manchester United are exploring the possibility of a sensational move for Barcelona star Lionel Messi, reports the Daily Mail.

The Argentine is supposedly seeking assurances over his future with the La Liga champions, with the player reportedly becoming frustrated by the media circus surrounding his tax trial.

The same report claims United have twice made an approach for the 28-year-old in the last three weeks, with any move likely to eclipse Gareth Bale's world record switch to Real Madrid in 2013.

However, a switch would unlikely go through until the beginning of the 2017/18 season and would hinder on United's return to the Champions League.

Despite a spell on the sidelines, Messi was in flying form for Barcelona last season, gaining a better WhoScored rating (8.46) than any other player in Europe's top five leagues.

For more stats on Lionel Messi, click here to view his WhoScored player page