A contract with Premier League font-runners Chelsea is looking unlikely as the club continue to distance themselves from the prospect of making a play for superstar Lionel Messi; a move that would set the club back over £500 million (Dh2.78bn).

– Barcelona coach Luis Enrique denies Lionel Messi row, insists job is safe

Chelsea's Assistant Coach Steve Holland believes that the money involved in luring Messi away from the Nou Camp would prove too much.

Holland faced the media in lieu of club manager Jose Mourinho to reiterate his expectations on the move, or lack of.

“Jose has made it quite clear that in this window his expectation is that nobody comes and nobody goes.

“This club conforms with financial fair play – we’ve brought one or two players in over the last 12 months but it’s quite clear that players have been sold to balance the books.

“When you look at the numbers being mentioned around the Messi deal, I think it’s almost an impossible deal for any club working within the restraints of financial fair play.”