Chelsea have moved a step closer to signing Lionel Messi with the player reportedly ready to sign for the Blues after becoming ‘fed up’ with life at Barcelona.

Messi has emerged as a surprise target for Chelsea in the last few days, with Jose Mourinho willing to spend the £200million needed to meet his release clause.

And while Barca publicly insist the Argentine is happy at the club, the Sun quotes a source who says Messi is now willing to sign for Chelsea.

‘Leo’s minded to leave Barca,’ said the source.

‘He is completely fed up with so many things at the club that it is difficult to see a way forward.’

The total deal would cost Chelsea about £500million, with £200million going on the transfer fee, and the rest on wages on a contract until 2021.