PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes says a move to Paris is 'up to Lionel Messi' and reveals Ligue 1 giants 'are trying to convince' Barcelona star to join on a free transfer this summer

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A move to PSG is 'up to Lionel Messi', with the French giants trying to convince Barcelona's wantaway star to join in the summer, according to Leandro Paredes.

Messi's future is a hot topic as he enters the final six months of his contract at Barcelona, having come so close to leaving last summer.

With it looking increasingly likely that the 33-year-old will end his stay at the Nou Camp, the Ligue 1 champions are one of the few clubs in the world who can afford him. 

Leandro Paredes (right) has dropped a hint over Lionel Messi's (left) future

With Messi out of contract in the summer, Paredes wants him to join him at PSG

And he hopes the presence of Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout could sway  

'It's up to Leo to come to the club, because PSG are trying to convince him,' Paredes revealed to Corriere dello Sport.

'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.'

As well as the chance to link up with international team-mates Paredes and Angel Di Maria, Messi would be reuniting with former Barcelona team-mate Neymar in Paris if he joins.

Mauricio Pochettino and PSG are 'trying to convince' Messi to join, claims Paredes

Manchester City are also leading contenders in the race, and Barca have been reportedly angered by PSG's tactics.

Both PSG sporting director Leonardo and manager Pochettino have expressed their desires for Messi to play at the Parc des Princes next season - a ploy which hasn't gone done well in Catalonia.

The Spanish publication report that Barcelona believe PSG are using the same methods that they did to entice Neymar to swap clubs for a world-record £198m in August 2017. They feel the Ligue 1 outfit are trying to gradually change Messi's mindset by making Paris his next main destination.