May 21, 2009 (WAM): Leading British football club Manchester City has denied that it has made approaches to a top player with the Spanish club Barcelona. In a statement posted on its website, Manchester City says that it notes 'with interest the reports circulating in the Spanish media that the club has made an offer to the Barcelona player Lionel Messi and that he has turned down the chance to join the club'. 'While acknowledging that Lionel Messi is a world-class player of the highest calibre, Manchester City would like to make it clear that the club has at no time made an approach to Mr Messi or his representatives', the statement said. Manchester City is owned by UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.