PSG chief Leonardo says French champions have a 'place reserved' at the table for Lionel Messi

Paris Saint-Germain chief Leonardo says the French giants have a 'place reserved' at the table for Lionel Messi, as the Parisians prepare to pounce for the wantaway Barcelona star this summer.

The Ligue 1 champions are among a smattering of clubs eager to snap up the soon to be out of contract star this summer, with Manchester City and Inter Milan poised to put up a fierce fight to land the Argentine superstar.

Messi, 33, attempted to leave the club last summer amid a bitter feud with former club president Josep Bartomeu. However, the forward opted to stay in a bid to avoid a serious legal battle with the club over the eligibility of an exit clause in his contract.

The Barcelona captain has pledged not to enter a pre-contract agreement this month, which any player whose contract will has less than six months to run can do, but PSG sporting director Leonardo did not attempt to play down links with his club.

'Great players like him will always be on PSG's list,' he admitted via Jonathan Johnson. 'Now is not the time to discuss or even dream of it.

'We are seated at the table of those keeping tabs on it. In fact, not seated, but with a place reserved -- just in case. Four months is a long time.'

The addition of Messi to their star-studded team is a tantalising prospect for PSG fans, with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe hoping to lead the club to their first ever Champions League triumph.

Leonardo said he is confident that the club's lofty ambitions match those of their star players and that they can keep hold of the pair.

'I hope they believe PSG is a good place for top-class ambitious players now,' he added. 'We just have to agree between their desires & requirements & our expectations & means. We do not need to beg. Those who truly want to stay will. Contact is regular.'

The French champions have faced a more turbulent campaign than they would have expected, with Thomas Tuchel sacked and replaced by former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.

PSG currently sit top of Ligue 1, with rivals Lille hot on their heels. Goal difference alone separates Renato Sanches & Co from Pochettino's side.