Paris Saint-Germain will battle with Manchester City in the race to sign Lionel Messi as they are "trying to convince" him to sign for the French club.
That's according to PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes, who has welcomed the idea of his fellow countryman arriving in the French capital in the summer.
Messi, 33, is out of contract in the summer and can speak to clubs outside of La Liga this month, even having the option to sign a pre-contract agreement.
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Messi chose not to take legal action against the Spanish club and remained at the Camp Nou, but City and PSG are leading the race to snap him up.
Paredes has now hinted that PSG have ramped up their pursuit of the six-time Ballon d'Or winner, adding that he "hope it happens."
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The 26-year-old Argentina international told Corriere dello Sport: "It's up to Leo to come to the club, because PSG are trying to convince him.
"To be able to be coached by a coach from your country and the possibility of playing with Leo is a great opportunity... I hope it happens."
Neymar, who played alongside Messi at Barcelona, has admitted that he is keen for a reunion with the Argentina captain at PSG.
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PSG sporting director Leonardo played down a Messi move to the Parisian club after Neymar's comments.
However, the 51-year-old Brazilian refused to rule out the possibility that PSG would make a move for Messi should he exit Barcelona in the summer.
"You know, it's normal for Neymar to say that to an Argentinian journalist. He had to talk about Messi, it's normal," Leonardo told Canal+.
"We have to maintain respect for others. He's a Barcelona player. When somebody talks about our players, we are not happy. So we don't touch other people's players.
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"Now is not the time to think about the transfer window. We are very happy with the squad we have."
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