Paris Saint-Germain 'already in direct contact with Lionel Messi'

Paris Saint-Germain have 'started direct contacts' with Lionel Messi over a potential move to the French capital on a free transfer, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Barcelona announced on Thursday evening that the Argentina international would not be signing a new contract at Camp Nou, making him arguably the most high-profile free agent of all time.

Both parties had already been preparing to sign off on a five-year contract, only for "financial and structural obstacles" to block the deal, with the Catalan giants struggling financially amid the coronavirus pandemic.

As a result, the Copa America winner is available this summer, and PSG have previously been strongly linked with his services.

Manchester City are also one of a select few clubs potentially capable of affording the 34-year-old, but according to Romano, PSG are already in direct contact with the experienced attacker.

Journalist Marcelo Bechler recently claimed that the French giants had offered Messi "everything money could buy" to make the move to Paris.

The former Newell's Old Boys youngster, who won 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns during his time at Barcelona, is still said to have a close relationship with PSG attacker Neymar.