Pochettino confirms PSG ‘working’ on Lionel Messi free transfer but insists deal would NOT mean Kylian Mbappe leaves
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN boss Mauricio Pochettino insists his club are ‘aware’ of Lionel Messi’s situation – but will not sell Kylian Mbappe to fund a deal to sign the Argentine.
It was announced on Thursday evening that Messi, 34, will not be signing a new contract with the Catalan side after his existing deal expired at the end of June.
The shocking revelation has resulted in PSG becoming the immediate frontrunners to acquire his services.
And those rumours intensified when Pep Guardiola confirmed Manchester City will not be trying to sign the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.
However, Messi‘s fellow countryman Pochettino has been quick to insist French forward Mbappe would not make way for the ex-Barca man if a deal was to be done.
Speaking in a press conference, Poch said: “I have not spoken with [Messi]. And [any move] would not mean that Kylian would leave.
“A player of Messi’s calibre, that is what is interesting to me. The club are working on several options, but we must focus on the game with Troyes [on Saturday].
“We know about what happened yesterday.
“The club is working on the transfer window and on the elements that could come in to improve the team and allow us to achieve our goals.”
About the Messi situation, he also added: “We are focused on Troyes. The club is working strongly & discreetly. We are aware of what happened yesterday.”
BETTING SPECIAL – GET LEICESTER AT 60/1 OR MAN CITY AT 30/1
DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS
Most read in Football
Mbappe has one year left on his current deal with PSG and has been negotiating a new contract for some time.
However, he has also frequently been linked with a move to Real Madrid.
And that could come to fruition in the coming weeks if there is a failure to extend his contract in Paris.
This is because the club would rather cash in on him now than watch him leave on a free next summer, as Messi has done this week.
Meanwhile, PSG kick off their Ligue 1 campaign against Troyes on Saturday.
Pochettino will be looking to regain the domestic title after they lost out on the final day of last season to Lille.
Read our Transfer news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals
DREAM TEAM 2021/22
PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON
- £100,000 prize pot up for grabs
- £50million budget to build your best XI
- Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
- Click here to play for FREE
- Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store