Mauricio Pochettino: 'Paris Saint-Germain can sign Lionel Messi and retain Kylian Mbappe'

Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino has insisted that his club could sign Lionel Messi this summer and also keep hold of Kylian Mbappe.

The French giants have emerged as the clear favourites for Messi, who will not be signing a new contract for Barcelona, with the experienced attacker available on a free transfer.

Mbappe's future has also been the subject of much speculation this summer, as the France international's contract in Paris is due to expire next June.

There have been suggestions that PSG could only afford a deal for Messi if they sold Mbappe, but Pochettino insisted that is not the case when questioned on both players.

"I have not spoken with [Messi]," Pochettino told reporters when asked about the recent developments. "And [any move] would not mean that Kylian would leave."

PSG are believed to be stepping up their talks with Messi amid suggestions that Chelsea are also in the race for his signature.

Manchester City have also been strongly linked with a move, but the English club's head coach Pep Guardiola has said that the Argentine is not currently a target.