Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is close to agreeing on a deal to join Barcelona after his contract expires at the Premier League champions, manager Pep Guardiola has revealed.

Guardiola said Aguero could be playing alongside Lionel Messi, sparking speculation that the Barcelona talisman, whose contract expires next month, could be staying back at Camp Nou.

The 32-year-old Aguero scored twice in his final league match for City on Sunday as he helped them celebrate their title success in style with a 5-0 thrashing of Everton.

City’s record goalscorer is set to leave as a free agent after the Champions League final against Chelsea on May 29 in Porto.

Guardiola was confident Aguero would enjoy playing at Barcelona, who won three La Liga and two Champions League titles under the Spanish manager.

“I will reveal a secret. Maybe he is close to agreeing a deal for the club of my heart — for Barcelona,” Guardiola told BBC after Sunday’s game.

“He is going to be playing alongside the best player of all time, Messi.”

Barcelona finished third in La Liga seven points behind champions Atletico Madrid and five behind Real Madrid. They were knocked out of the Champions League in the round of 16 by PSG.

“I’m pretty sure he is going to enjoy,” Guardiola added. “And maybe Barcelona are stronger and stronger with him on the pitch.”

Aguero’s first goal on Sunday came after a twisting run in the 71st, before a bullet header completed the rout and a perfect afternoon for City.

“When I came here the first title (in 2012) was the most important, for the club and for me,” Aguero told Sky Sports.

“Then City started to win more titles so I’m so happy because it’s not easy to be 10 years at one club, for me it’s an honour,” said Aguero, who has won five Premier League crowns.

Fans back in the stadium were disappointed Aguero did not start, though the striker was given a guard of honour. His double took him to 260 goals for City in all competitions and 184 Premier League strikes — the most of any player for a single club in the competition.

Focus on final

Guardiola says he “couldn’t care less” about the appointment of Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz for Saturday’s final, despite a public dispute with the official three years ago.

Guardiola had labelled Lahoz as a referee who “likes to be different” during the quarter final Champions League exit to Liverpool in 2018.