Neymar lined up as Lionel Messi's replacement in Barcelona

Lionel Messi's future is still very much in the air and it seems Barcelona are already considering what could be done if the Argentina star leaves when his contract expires next summer.

Sport has suggested that one solution to revitalise the Barca squad might be to sign former winger Neymar, who has often been linked with a return to Camp Nou since joining Paris Saint-Germain for €222 million in 2017.

One factor that is set to help this potential move come to fruition is Barca's looming presidential elections. The club will elect a new president on Jan. 24, 88 days after Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned from the role after falling out with Messi.

Mundo Deportivo reports that Manchester City are still keen on Messi and could persuade him to join with a spell at sister-club New York City FC in MLS.

Meanwhile Neymar is keen to return to Catalonia, though sources said that PSG have opened talks with the Brazilian over extending his contract, which expires in 2022. The fact that Barcelona have massive debt, and must pay Messi a €33m bonus when he leaves, means that money will be tight but if there is one player who can turn things around at Camp Nou then it's probably Neymar.