Claims that Lionel Messi could sign for Man City this summer could back fire on the English club with Barcelona set to make a move for Sergio Aguero.
Madrid based media El Confidencial reported on Wednesday that Manchester City were in initial talks with Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, about a possible £250m move but the Catalan club are keen to extend Messi's deal.
President Josep Maria Bartomeu has claimed Messi will become the world's "highest paid player" and that negotiations are ongoing, whilst Barca's number 10 has always reiterated his desire to retire at the club.
Whilst a deal looks unlikely, Barca have reacted by showing interest in Man City forward Sergio Aguero as they look to freshen up their team for next season.
And, [football] direct news understands that Barca will use Messi's friendship with Aguero to entice the Argentine forward to the Nou Camp.
Messi and Aguero go back some way, with Barca's forward being the godfather of Aguero's son and it is thought Aguero would relish a move back to La Liga.
A source close to the club told us: "Barca remain unsure over Pedro/Alexis. It would be something if Messi had Aguero and Neymar playing either side of him.
"Aguero is a great player, he was with Atletico and I am sure he would love to come back to La Liga one day."
Barcelona are also said to be buoyed by the fact that Aguero's agent has recently moved to the Catalan capital.
