Premier League: Yaya Toure adds weight to calls for Lionel Messi to join Manchester City

Former Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure (l) would love to be reunited with Lionel Messi (r) at Manchester City

Previously, Messi's Argentina team-mate Sergio Aguero has vocalised his desire to see the double World Player of the Year at City, as did compatriot Pablo Zabaleta.

A move for the Barcelona playmaker would, without a doubt, command a world record £100million-plus transfer fee.

However, City - who take on Barcelona in the Champions League knockout stages - are one of few clubs who could afford the fee and Messi's wage-bill.

Furthermore, City's Barcelona connections are strong with Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begirstain both holding prominent roles at the Catalan club before they moved to Manchester.

"If it's to come to City, I hope Messi can leave Barca," Toure told the Manchester Evening News.

While striker Aguero, who has partnered Messi in the Argentina team, said: "Yes, he should come to City. Then we'll definitely play together. City should buy him."

Blues full-back Zabaleta revealed his international team-mate often asks about life at the Etihad.

"He asked me a lot about City," said Zabaleta. "It's something we often talk about."

Reports from Spain suggest Messi is unsettled at the Nou Camp, with rumours hinting at a fall-out between the player and Barcelona vice-president Javier Faus over contract talks.