INTER MILAN ARE trying to prize Lionel Messi away from Barcelona in a stunning transfer.

That is according to Inter's former owner Massimo Moratti.

Messi's Nou Camp future has come under increasing uncertainty throughout the season with speculation reaching breaking point after Barcelona's 8-2 humiliation against Bayern Munich.

And the arrival of new manager Ronald Koeman has reportedly not improved the situation, with Messi allegedly telling the Dutchman he sees no future with his boyhood club anymore.

Inter have emerged as frontrunners to sign the Argentine – even using his silhouette to advertise a Serie A game in China.

His dad is also believed to have purchased a house in Milan, leading to Moratti revealing it will not be long until the Italian giants make their move.

The former owner, who was chairman from 1995 to 2013, told AS: "It's not a simple operation economically, that's clear. But the biggest obstacle is Messi's intentions.

"You have to understand if he really wants to leave Barca. I'm not clear on that.

"I imagine Inter have already tried [to sign him].

"I've seen the Suning advert with the Argentine's silhouette on the Duomo and this makes me think an initiative has already been taken.

"If not, I think they will do so soon."

Messi's Barca contract expires next season and some board members are said to be open to selling their talisman.

Manchester City and PSG are among other clubs linked but so far the Spaniards have indicated his £631million release clause will have to be paid in full in order to let him go.

Financial experts believe that the deal would be impossible to do, however, given the current situation with the coronavirus pandemic.

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