TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Report

One of Lionel Messi's favorite Argentina teammates could be on the verge of a shock move to the LA Galaxy this summer, according to reports out of Buenos Aires.

Boca Juniors attacker Cristian Pavon is being linked to a big-money transfer to LA to rejoin his former coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto, according to ESPN Argentina and other outlets. The player was reportedly priced at over $50 million by Boca as recently as last month, when English sides Arsenal and Watford expressed interest.

But apparently the Galaxy could swoop in to provide a more compelling option, with a reported $12 million fee to acquire 70% of his rights and thus give Boca a big share of any potential European move further down the line. He'd be a Designated Player in LA, with winger Romain Alessandrini, currently injured, the one mooted to depart to make room for Pavon.

Pavon, 23, is one of his country's most richly-hyped young stars. He earned a spot on Argentina's 2018 World Cup squad ahead of the likes of Mauro Icardi, then made four appearances in Russia last summer.

Along the way he impressed Messi, who professed to enjoying playing alongside "his new partner" Pavon, a traditional winger capable of providing dangerous service from the flanks as well as cutting inside to threaten opposing goalkeepers himself.