PSG Transfer News: Lionel Messi, Neymar and Paul Pogba Top Rumoured Targets

Paris Saint-Germain are "trying to remain close" to Lionel Messi and Neymar, according to Le Parisien, as noted by Ligue 1 specialist Jonathan Johnson.

It is suggested the French champions have also made Paul Pogba their No. 1 summer desire, with those at the Parc des Princes firmly thinking about a prosperous future, per Johnson:

Neither Messi nor Neymar appear likely to move soon. Speculation throughout the January transfer window suggested Leo may be open to a switch, but he was largely linked with Premier League clubs Manchester United and Chelsea, per Martin Samuel of the Daily Mail. It is also worth noting the Argentinian star denied such claims and stated he wishes to remain with Barca "forever," as reported by Ole (h/t Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC).

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Neymar continues to improve at the Camp Nou and is likely to lead the club once Messi steps aside. Already a key player, and a vital part of Luis Enrique's attacking trident, which also includes Luis Suarez, it seems unlikely Barca would want to cut ties with the Brazilian.

An investigation into Neymar's transfer continues to rage on, however. Both Barcelona and president Josep Maria Bartomeu are set to face a tax fraud investigation over allegations the club misappropriated funds when signing the player from Santos, as reported by EFE (via AS).

Former chief Sandro Rosell previously quit when it became clear he was to be examined over a transfer he claimed cost €57 million—€45 million to the player's family—but is reported to have cost €94.8 million in reality, per AS. Should this case continue to cause trouble, Barca may be looking to rebuild their image without Neymar, perhaps allowing PSG to step in.

Pogba's transfer makes the most sense out of the three. He is already a key member of the France squad and is rapidly becoming the world's most dominant central midfielder. Mino Raiola, the 21-year-old's agent, also continues to talk up a move in the press.

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Raiola's recent comments were provided to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Sky Sports):

"

I want the club that buys him to believe in him and be willing to pay for him. If Paul leaves Juventus, it is for the absolute top. If it does not happen this year, it will be next year. 

Paul is at the same level economically as the other big stars and has a similar reputation, so he could stay for another year. But Paul is the only major star who is available at the end of the season. If you cannot take Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi or Zlatan Ibrahimovic, you can only go for Paul.

"

PSG may share similar thoughts and could make Pogba the first £100 million-rated player, as discussed by Johnson and B/R UK's Ryan Bailey:

Pogba is likely to have a number of suitors if he becomes available. United and Chelsea are linked with his signature, as reported by Charles Perrin of the Express, while B/R UK's' Guillem Balague believes Real Madrid will make him a priority this summer:

The powerful midfielder has scored six and assisted one in 18 Serie A appearances this season, per WhoScored.com. His all-action style is highlighted by his average of 2.4 tackles, 2.6 fouls and 2.2 shots at goal each match. He has also completed 3.2 dribbles per appearance but will want to work on his 82.9 pass percent accuracy.

Pogba is improving rapidly, however. He already has the stature of a leader and only appears to be getting better under the weight of expectation. Juventus will struggle to replace such a star when he does move on, but it's safe to say he could potentially fund an entire new team for Massimiliano Allegri to work with.

It's only natural for PSG to want the best French players, but whether or not Pogba wishes to head toward his peak years in Ligue 1 remains to be seen.