Report: Manchester United 'on alert' following Messi's admitted uncertainty over future

Manchester United are reportedly keeping an eye on Lionel Messi following his admitted uncertainty over his future.

When asked whether he would be interested in featuring for another club before Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony, Messi replied: "I am not sure where I will be next year. I have always said that I will end my career at Barcelona but as Cristiano (Ronaldo) said: 'Only God knows the future.' Things in football can change overnight."

The Argentine phenom's response provided a stark contrast to his statement from one day earlier, when he referred to reports that he wants out of Barcelona as "lies."

According to the Guardian, United are on "high alert" over Messi's future and are the only Premier League club that could afford his €250-million (£195-million) buyout fee if Barcelona demanded it in a single payment.

Manager Louis van Gaal has apparently been told that he doesn't have to work to a particular budget this summer, and it's been widely reported that United are planning another splurge similar to last year's summer transfer window, when Messi's international teammate Angel Di Maria arrived at Old Trafford for a British record fee of £59.7 million.

It should be noted that United stand to make £75 million per year from their 10-year kit deal with Adidas, which gets underway next season. And with roughly 659 million supporters worldwide, it's understandable that United see the acquisition of Messi as one that's financially viable.

"Whether it's a (world) record or not doesn't really resonate with us," said executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward in July. "What resonates is an elite player that the manager wants who is going to be a star for Manchester United."