Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne said it would be a "good thing" if Barcelona star Lionel Messi joins the Premier League club, while the Belgian revealed he would be open to signing a new contract at the Etihad.
Messi, 33, has entered the final year of his contract at Barcelona and appears no closer to agreeing new terms after attempting to engineer a move away from the Camp Nou this summer.
The Argentine star, somewhat reluctantly, decided to remain at Barca for this season but has continued to criticise the club's hierarchy, most recently over their handling of Luis Suarez's exit.
City were reported to be leading the chase for Messi's signature during the off-season and chief operating officer, Omar Berrada, said last week the club have the "financial strength and system ability" to complete a deal next summer.
De Bruyne, one of City's most important players, has welcomed the possibility of playing alongside Messi, but insisted even if the Argentine did not make the move, the squad is still packed with talent.
"If he comes, it's a good thing, if he doesn't, there is enough good players at the club who I enjoy playing with," said De Bruyne ahead of Belgium's Uefa Nations League match against England.
De Bruyne, 29, has won two Premier League titles and an FA Cup, as well as a host of individual accolades, since moving to City from Wolfsburg in 2015.
The playmaker has two-and-a-half years left on his current deal, and despite reports claiming he is close to signing a five-year extension, De Bruyne said talks are not taking place, although he would be open to negotiations.
"I am very happy at the club, I can say now I have not spoken once to City, so I don't know why people are saying I have already agreed to something," De Bruyne said.
"I always told everybody I am really happy and I feel comfortable, so if the people at the club want to talk to me I am open to that and we will see what happens.
"But, at the moment, nothing has happened, so I just get on with the way it goes."
