Could Messi head to China?
While it may be a long shot, according to 'Mundo Deportivo', CSL side Hebei China Fortune are planning a fresh attempt to lure Lionel Messi to the Far East.
The Argentine star has just signed a new deal at Barcelona with a whopping €700million release clause. In addition to this, the new 100% transfer tax in China means this deal would cost the club €1.4billion in transfer fees alone. The Chinese club have already had one bid for Messi rejected, but they have shown they won't be put off by the large fees involved in such a transfer.
The team, from Qinhuangdao in northern China, can already boast some serious footballing talent. Ezequiel Lavezzi and Javier Mascherano are both in the squad, as well as former Arsenal forward Gervinho and Brazilian international Hernanes. They are managed by Premier League winner Manuel Pellegrini.
Barcelona themselves have already got their targets lined up for the summer, with Juventus and Argentina starlet Paulo Dybala their preferred option according to 'Calciomercato'. However, with their league season over already, Real Madrid could provide stiff competition for Dybala as they look to keep the pace for next season.