Man City warned against Messi deal: Defensive problems must be addressed

Former Manchester City striker Emile Mpenza says his old club should drop plans of signing Barcelona star Leo Messi.

Mpenza, who played for the Blues under Sven-Goran Eriksson, believes that signing the multiple Ballon D'Or winner would not fix their defensive issues while also creating too much competition in attack.

"I think that with all the defensive problems [Pep] Guardiola has, he doesn't really need someone like Messi," he said.

"He should sort the leaky defence out first. [Vincent] Kompany has left a huge hole at the heart of the defence and City are yet to find the stability they had when Kompany was running the backline.

"It's a tall order to fill Vincent's shoes and what's the point of signing Messi with all the issues they have at the back?

"They have enough players in his position like [Riyad] Mahrez and [Sergio] Aguero. If they sign Messi that would be too many players for the same position and cause problems.

"I believe that he will link up with Pep Guardiola again at some point in his career, but not at City itself but rather for their partner club New York City FC.

"Guardiola has managed in three of the best European leagues such as La Liga, the Premier League and Bundesliga with only Serie A missing. For me MLS is his next stop and he will take Messi with him there."