Lionel Messi has reportedly told Barcelona he wants to leave the club this summer following discussions with their new manager Ronald Koeman, reports The Mirror.

Speculation has been rife that the Argentinean star could be set to move on ever since Barca’s humiliating 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.

And now reports from Spain and Argentina claim that he has communicated to the club his desire for a fresh start following a turbulent season.

Fox Sports journalist Cholo Sottile tweeted on Tuesday afternoon: “Confirmed: Messi has communicated to Barcelona that he will leave.”

And TyC Sports added: “Breaking! Messi has told Barcelona he is ready to leave. He will activate a clause in his contract that will allow him to move on this summer.”

Respected journalist Guillem Balague, meanwhile, claimed he may need to take legal action to break his contract, tweeting: “Messi thinks the season finished in August, so he can use the clause that frees him from the club before the end of the month. FCB would mention that the contract talks about end of June for Messi to use the clause, so it has expired.”

Manchester City where he might link up with Pep Guardiola and Manchester United are among clubs expected to make a move for Messi.

French giants Paris Saint Germain may also make a move for the Argentine with head coach Thomas Tuchel saying that the serial winner is welcomed at the Parc Des Princes.

Chances are also high that he will go back to his boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina.