It has been reported that €260 million has been set aside by a club in Europe in a bid to sign FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

New Leader In European Golden Shoe Race

The 33-year-old's displeasure at the Blaugrana has been widely documented, beginning with his public spat with sporting director Eric Abidal following Ernesto Valverde's sacking at the beginning of the year. 

Since then, Messi has had a few more run-ins with the club's board, leading to reports that he is unwilling to extend his contract beyond the 2020/21 campaign. 

Click through the gallery below to see images of Barcelona's new away kit, which looks similar to Chiefs' 50th anniversary strip: 

Amid speculation of a move away from Barcelona, Italian giants Inter Milan have emerged as a potential destination for the six-time Ballon d'Or winner, with La Gazzetta dello Sport recently reporting that the Serie A side are preparing a big swoop for him.

It is claimed that the Nerazzurri have put aside €260 million (R5.1 billion) to sign the Argentine, although this contradicts what has come out of Inter so far regarding the rumours.

Boss Antonio Conte has joked that it would be easier to move a popular Italian cathedral in Italy than sign Messi, while there has been no indication from the Italian club's board that there is interest in signing the Blaugrana captain.

Interestingly, the amount mentioned would not be a transfer fee, as Messi would become a free agent in July next year, but rather the money that would be used to pay his huge wages.

Do you think Messi would actually consider swapping Barcelona for Inter? Let us know in the comments section below.