Messi's Barcelona return could be derailed by England star

Jacque Talbot

• 27 Apr 2023 09:59 CDT
• 3 min read

Paris Saint-Germain want to persuade Lionel Messi to remain at the side by signing Harry Kane this summer.

The Ligue 1 club are trying to keep ahold of the superstar with contract talks seemingly hitting an impasse.

Recent news suggested that Messi would be leaving the Parc des Princes - and he has, in fact, got his foot halfway in the door to Barcelona.

READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Ten Hag targets €45m Ajax attacker Mohammed Kudus

But a report from journalist Alfredo Martinez suggests that the French club will look to make a play for Tottenham’s all-time goalscorer in a bid to keep hold of Messi.

Kane is out of contract in 2024, so Spurs must either get him to agree to fresh terms and risk losing him on a free next year, or sell.

Daniel Levy is said to want £100million for the striker - while he would be unwilling, or at least reluctant, to sell to a rival Premier League side.

Manchester United are thought to be keen on Kane - but they are not willing to go into a bidding war or have a long, drawn-out saga in the summer.

This will, of course, leave the door open for other suitors to come in and make a play for Kane.

PSG after attacking force

PSG have also been linked with a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who’s been making waves in Serie A this campaign.

It means that the Paris-based side are clearly after a world-class force to come in and help Kylian Mbappe in attack.

Kane provides a sure thing in terms of goals and the club have the revenue to meet Levy’s demands.

As for Messi, surely the addition of Kane would mean an inflamed attacking line-up, and not one that will convince the Argentine to stay.

But it may be a matter of seeing if Barcelona can get the funds to prise Messi away from PSG in the upcoming window.