Lionel Messi keen for Neymar to join Manchester City, not Real Madrid

According to Don Balon, Messi wants his former Barcelona team-mate to join Pep Guardiola's team amid apparent interest from Real Madrid.

"Don Balon suggest Messi is concerned about rumours linking the Brazilian forward with a move to fierce rivals Real Madrid, and has instead told his former strike partner to join Pep Guardiola's side," Manchester Evening News report.

Messi believes Neymar would be a better fit for Guardiola at City.

Neymar, 26, joined Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record £198m deal last summer, but has been linked with a move to the European champions.

The Brazil striker is apparently seeking a move back to Spain after becoming disillusioned with life at PSG.