Transfer: Barcelona are plotting a Lionel Messi return to Camp Nou by January

Barcelona wants Lionel Messi to return to the club in January.

The 35-year-old signed a two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain at the start of last season and has been linked with a return to the Camp Nou when his current agreement expires.

According to Sport, the Blaugrana want to speed those preparations and aim to get the Argentine back during the mid-season window.

Barcelona fans were heard shouting Messi’s name as they were eliminated from the Champions League earlier this week, with president Joan Laporta making no secret of his wish for Messi to return.

His acrimonious relationship with the club’s hierarchy after his departure means it remains to be seen whether their former No10 is willing to return.

Lionel Messi stats so far this season

Messi has been in phenomenal form for PSG this season, scoring 12 goals and contributing 13 assists in 16 games across all competitions after a difficult first season in the French capital.

It is also reported that a contract extension for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is being considered by the Ligue 1 champions.

However, Messi’s present emphasis is on the next World Cup, where he hopes to win his first World Cup with Argentina, with conversations about his future due to take place in the new year.

Barcelona’s other interests

According to The Sun, Barcelona has entered the race for Newcastle’s Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, 24.

According to Spanish media, Barcelona is interested in signing N’Golo Kante as a replacement for Sergio Busquets, whose contract with Chelsea expires at the end of the season.

According to the Sunday Mirror, Brighton will demand £85 million for 20-year-old midfielder Moises Caicedo, who is also desired by Chelsea and Newcastle.