Lionel Messi sent Manchester United transfer message amid Cristiano Ronaldo saga

As Manchester United do all they can to keep hold of Cristiano Ronaldo, long-time rival Lionel Messi has been told none of the top six Premier League sides would want to sign him if he became available this summer.

Twelve months after re-signing for United in a sensational move, Ronaldo wants to leave Old Trafford but the club have doubled down on their stance that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is not for sale. That comes as Chelsea and other potential suitors continue to be linked with a move.

Ronaldo, 37, scored 24 goals in all competitions for United last term, but the Portugal captain has yet to return to pre-season training. The club will jet off on their summer tour of Thailand, Australia and Norway on Friday morning and could do so without their talisman.

READ MORE: United reiterate Ronaldo stance

Should United part ways with last season's top goalscorer, would Erik ten Hag consider swapping one superstar for another by bringing Messi to Old Trafford? According to one pundit, not only would United not consider a move, neither would any of the other so-called Premier League top six sides.

Speaking on talkSPORT, former Manchester City defender turned pundit Danny Mills said: "Would you take Lionel Messi? He's the greatest footballer I've ever seen, I didn't see [Johan] Cruyff live or [Diego] Maradona."

"Messi is the best footballer that I've ever seen. I know Ronaldo's numbers are a little better and he's more of a big-game player.

"In terms of being a footballer, Messi is the greatest, but would you take Messi in your team now? Probably not.

"I don't think they [the Premier League's top six] would take him. Liverpool? No. Man City? No. Tottenham? No. I don't think they would."

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