Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has compared Argentine star Paulo Dybala to Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

Dybala, 21, is currently one of the most in-demand forwards in European football having netted 12 times in 25 games for his Italian club this season.

Barcelona, Juventus and Manchester United are also said to be interested in the attacker, and Zamparini has conceded that a departure this summer is likely.

"For me, Dybala is the Messi of the future," Zamparini told Radio Anch'io. "I value him at €40m (£28.5m), but we will have to wait and see what happens at the end of the season.

"There has been a lot of talk about Dybala, but his agent is just doing his work. I have a good relationship with him.

"The transfer fee we will receive for Dybala will be reinvested. We have an ongoing project. Even if Dybala were to leave, other important players will arrive."

Dybala joined Palermo from Argentine club Instituto in 2012.