BARCELONA could line up a move to land Paulo Dybala as a long-term replacement for Lionel Messi, according to reports.
The Juventus playmaker, 26, is being linked with a move away from Turin following a contract dispute with the club.
Reports in Italy are claiming Barca could move for Dybala
He has two years left on his contract but is holding off putting pen-to-paper on a new long-term deal.
Dybala currently pockets around £6.5million a year but his representatives have demanded the club increase it to £18m to bring him closer to Cristiano Ronaldo.
And that has sparked interest from European rivals Barca, Manchester United and Manchester City who continue to closely monitor the situation, according to Tuttosport.
Catalan giants Barcelona are believed to be showing the most interest as the future of their star man rumbles on.
They are currently facing a fight to keep Messi at the club, with his contract expiring in 12 months time.
The Argentine legend, 33, has grown frustrated with ongoings behind the scenes at the Nou Camp and doesn’t want to spend the twilight of his career at a club rebuilding on the pitch.
Messi’s international compatriot Dybala is eyed as the man capable of filling his boots for the foreseeable years.
Man Utd could make their move and even offer Paul Pogba in the opposite direction.
Dybala is eyed as the man to replace Messi if he leavesCredit: EPA
The Frenchman, 27, spent one season alongside Dybala at Juve before his £89million return to Old Trafford in 2016.
He said last year he was ready for a new challenge but after an injury-hit season seems finally to be enjoying himself and performing consistently in a United shirt – helped by the arrival of Bruno Fernandes in January.
Pirlo, though, is thought to be a big fan of his former team-mate.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
