Transfer Talk: Barca plotting shock Messi return in January

Argentine superstar Messi, 35, signed a two-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain at the start of last season and has been linked with a move back to the Camp Nou when his contract expires.

Spanish outlet Sport say the Blaugrana want to accelerate those plans and hope to seal the Argentine’s return during the mid-season window.

Barca fans were heard chanting their club legend’s name as they crashed out of the Champions League earlier this week, with president Joan Laporta making no secret of his desire for Messi to re-join.

Though his fractious relationship with the club’s hierarchy over his exit means it remains to be seen whether their former No10 is open to the move back.

After a difficult first season in the French capital, Messi has been in sensational form for PSG this term, scoring 12 goals and providing 13 assists in 16 games in all competitions.

It is also indicated that an offer is on the table for the seven-time Ballon d’Or to extend his stay at the Ligue 1 champions.

But Messi’s focus is currently on the upcoming World Cup as he bids to win the tournament for the first time with Argentina, with talks over his future set to take place in the new year.

Barca have entered the race for Newcastle’s Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, 24, according to The Sun.

Spanish media are also saying that N’Golo Kante is being eyed up by the Catalan club as a Sergio Busquets replacement, with the Frenchman’s Chelsea contract expiring at the end of the season.

The Sunday Mirror say Brighton will demand £85million for midfielder Moises Caicedo, 20, who is wanted by Chelsea and Newcastle.