Barcelona are hopeful of bringing Angel Di Maria to the Nou Camp this summer, after star man Lionel Messi reportedly encouraged a move for his fellow Argentine.

The Catalan giants are desperately seeking reinforcements following the shock departure of Neymar to Ligue 1.

Huge reservations remain however, concerning Barca's strained relations with the French club and whether these are beyond repair.

Spanish press are reporting Barcelona's Lionel Messi-backed move for Angel Di Maria

Hostility between the two sides reached new levels as Qatar-backed PSG took Neymar from under the nose of Barcelona, in doing so acquiring their natural heir to the throne of Messi.

According to reports in the Spanish press on Saturday, Messi has now encouraged his side to go in for Di Maria, and bring the winger back to La Liga.

It would be something of a controversial move, considering the 29-year-old previously played for and made his name with Barca's fierce rivals Real Madrid.

'Di Maria in Barca's sights,' reads the headline carried by publication Marca.

Lionel Messi is believed to have encouraged the club to swoop for his Argentina team-mate

The move would be a controversial one, with Di Maria having played for Real Madrid previously

The report highlights a willingness on PSG's behalf to offload the player to a potential suitor this summer, but cites the poor relationship between the two clubs in the aftermath of Neymar's move as the key obstacle.

Messi is said to be delighted with the possible arrival of Di Maria, who would once again complete a South America trio up front alongside Messi and strike partner Luis Suarez.

Barca meanwhile are still monitoring the situation regarding Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian caused shockwaves on Merseyside this week after officially submitting a transfer request in hope of pushing through a move.

Liverpool are standing firm with their insistence not to part with the player this summer, though Coutinho has laid down an ultimatum to the club.