So it looks like Mauricio Pochettino could well be the manager to finally reunite Lionel Messi and Neymar on the football pitch, according to reports in France.
Pochettino is all ready to make his return to management – after having sat it out over 12 months following his sacking from Tottenham – replacing recently-ousted Thomas Tuchel at the Parc Des Princes.
Le Parisien report that it is now up to Pochettino to press for the bold move to lure Messi from Barcelona and pair him up front to rekindle the dynamic strike partnership with his close friend Neymar.
Messi is widely expected to call time on his career at the Nou Camp following a fractious summer which saw a transfer request flatly denied, as he is able to leave Barca for free at the end of the season and is understood to be weighing up his options for the immediate future.
Pochettino is now hotly tipped as the man to secure a deal for the Argentine star, to make him a huge signing of intent to kick-start the former Spurs boss’ new reign at PSG and announce the club’s serious Champions League ambitions.
PSG are reportedly hopeful of using Messi’s already existing friendships with Neymar and Angel Di Maria within the club to tie up a deal, and deter the living football legend of ending up at the Etihad to reunite with Pep Guardiola.
A serious move to sign Messi would work well to ease pressure on PSG regarding the potential loss of Kylian Mbappe later down the line, as the French striker is said to be dead set on joining Real Madrid next summer.