Blyth Spartans supporters launch ambitious bid to sign Lionel Messi ahead of Manchester City

Blyth Spartans supporters have launched an ambitious bid to bring Barcelona legend Lionel Messi to Croft Park.

The Argentinean forward is currently in dispute with the La Liga giants and has been linked with moves to Inter Milan, Juventus and Manchester City.

But the player that many regard as the greatest player of his generation could be plying his trade in the National League North this season – if a GoFundMe page set up by Spartans supporter Dan Rolls reaches it’s £623,000,000 target over the coming weeks.

That would be enough to pay the disputed release fee contained in Messi’s contract and take the Barcelona legend a step closer to joining Michael Nelson’s squad – although personal terms could become an issue unless the player is willing to take a significant reduction in his reported £482,000 a week wage.

However, if the fund doesn’t reach its total, any funds raised would go towards increasing the playing budget available to the Spartans manager as he prepares for his first season in the dugout at Croft Park.

A statement on the GoFundMe page read: “They say you miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take so; we might as well shoot wa (sic) shot.

“In the unlikely scenario that we don’t raise the required £623,000,000 to activate Messi’s release clause, or the club are unable to agree personal terms, all funds will be donated to Blyth Spartans AFC.”

It is not the first fundraiser connected with Spartans this summer.

In the aftermath of Nelson’s appointment in May, a supporter-led future fund raised over £10,500 towards his budget.

The former Hartlepool United and Norwich City centre-back has utilised that fund to bring in the likes of Barrow centre-back Matthew Elsdon and former York City midfielder Simon Heslop.

Speaking after the future fund closed last month, Nelson said: “It has been a fantastic effort from the first day we set it up.

“We knew the supporters of Blyth would help as much as they could, but I think the amount raised has surpassed our expectations.

“During these hard times, when a lot of people are struggling, it is phenomenal. We can’t thank everyone who donated enough.”

Next up for Nelson and his side in their preparations for the new season is Saturday’s trip to Northern Premier League club South Shields.

Barca star Messi is not expected to be included in the Spartans squad for the game on South Tyneside.