An Argentina star has jokingly promised to take a salary pay cut and "make roasts" in order to convince his compatriot Lionel Messi to make the move to his Premier League club.
Messi's future is up in the air, with reports strongly suggesting he will not extend his contract at Paris Saint-Germain when it expires next month.
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The player's spell at the French club has soured in recent months, with some fans even staging a protest against the Argentine superstar, while he has also been booed by sections of supporters during matches, especially after his suspension from the team for making an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia at the beginning of the month.
FC Barcelona have since made no secret of the fact that they are trying to move mountains in order to reunite with their all-time leading goalscorer in the coming months, with Blaugrana president Joan Laporta having also recently insisted he has mended his fractured relationship with the Albiceleste talisman.
Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal are understood to have made a mouthwatering offer to prise the South American away from other potential suitors, but that transfer might never materialise as Messi is said to be keen to stay in Europe.
His countryman Emiliano Martinez has now jokingly offered an alternative for the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, who has, perhaps surprisingly, not been linked with a move to the Premier League.
"If Leo is whistled, I would bring him to Aston Villa," he answered when asked about the criticism Messi has been facing in France in recent times, according to ESPN.
"I will bait him with mate (a traditional South American herbal drink), I will make roasts for him every weekend, I ask people to make little flags for him and he has a good time.
"I will cut my salary for Messi if necessary."
Barca boss Xavi Hernandez, meanwhile, has provided the latest on his club's pursuit of the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner.
"It's up in the air," Xavi told reporters at a press conference on Monday.
"It depends on many things. There is not much more I can say.
"Leo is a spectacular footballer. He is a friend.
"From there, it depends on many things, but above all on his intentions and what he wants."
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