Reports are out claiming that Adidas execs want to see Lionel Messi leave Barcelona.
The Argentine international has been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City AND Real Madrid in recent weeks.
AS claims that an internal report from the brand that sponsors the Argentine star has fuelled rumours over a move away from the Camp Nou for the player owing to a survey that says 70 per cent of people associate Messi with Nike and not Adidas.
Executives with the Germany company are well aware that Leo has enjoyed more success in the shirt of Barça (who wear Nike) than that of Argentina and that links the player more to the American brand than Adidas, which affects global sales. Adidas think it is better to enhance their brand if Messi wears their brand on his club kit as well as his national kit.
Adidas enter a kit partnership with Manchester United from next season, which has fueled talk of the German sportswear giants helping fund a move for Messi this summer.
Chelsea also enjoy a long-standing relationship with Adidas.