As rumors continue to swirl around greatest-soccer-player-in-the-world Lionel Messi's departure from Barcelona, a new development has added fire to the flame. Messi is learning English and "preparing for the possibility" of moving to England's Premier League, according to talkSPORT.

"He's maturing, he wants to imagine himself in England and he watches the Premier League. He's learning English in case he needs it. He is preparing for that possibility," the report read.

Three Premier League Teams That Could Land Messi

Earlier this week, Sky Sports reported Messi "never been closer to leaving Barcelona," and the new developments, while still in their early stages, are just further proof that something might be brewing.

"He has heard from [Manchester City striker] Sergio Aguero and [Chelsea midfielder] Cesc Fabregas how wonderful England and the Premier League is," the report continued. "There's an attraction there for a new challenge."

Neymar Wants To Leave Barcelona To Escape Messi's Shadow

Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea have all been linked to the world class baller in recent weeks, and though all have various ties to the 28-year-old Argentinian, with their massive bankroll as the result of a recent £750 million kit deal with Adidas, Manchester United has the most money to go after the four-time Ballon d'Or winner.

And given Messi's huge draw (he sells more jerseys than any other player in England), there's probably no price too high to secure that kind of talent.

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