Manchester City want Lionel Messi in a Barcelona swap deal for Robinho.
The Sunday Mirror says reports in Spain claim Barca boss Pep Guardiola has already made Robinho, 25, his No.1 New Year target after City boss Mark Hughes refused to consider the departure of the Brazilian before the transfer window closed last Tuesday.
A City insider said: “We are aware that Barcelona have an interest in Robinho but they have been told he is not for sale - the same answer we were given when Messi’s name was mentioned. The situation with Robinho at City is unlikely to change unless the manager says so - and we have been told it is the same with Messi.”