By Daily Sports on March 26, 2018

Argentina international Lionel Messi has often found himself as the enemy of Mourinho, especially when the Portuguese boss was in charge of Real Madrid.

But now Messi has come back to bite again as he apparently holds the ace in the race for Justin Kluivert’s signature.

Manchester United and Barcelona are stepping up in their interest in the Ajax wonderkid, according to Spanish outlet Don Balon.

The two European heavyweights were expected to fight it out for the striker in the summer transfer window.

But the Catalan club have reportedly made the first move and they are seen as they ideal destination for the 19-year-old.

Don Balon add that the prospect of playing with Messi is what is swaying Kluivert’s decision to move to La Liga over Old Trafford.

The influence of Messi is said to anger Mourinho, who once again finds himself fighting with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Kluivert’s father Patrick has also recently given his backing to a potential move to the Nou Camp.

He told Omnisport: “I’m very proud of him. He’s doing very good at Ajax.

“He’s now a first XI player. If he’s playing like this in the long-term, he could be one important player in the future.

“Of course, I prefer that he goes to Barcelona but in football everything can happen.

“He’s an adult, he can make his own decisions but he’s already said it’s a dream for him to play for Barcelona. But you never know in football.”

•Sourced from Daily Express. Photo shows Lionel Messi 

Source Daily Sports

Posted March 26, 2018

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