Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says he would be interested in signing Lionel Messi if he decides to leave arch-rivals Barcelona at the end of the season.
The 27-year-old sparked headlines on the back pages of newspapers across the world after revealing he would consider all options available to him once the current campaign is over.
A host of high profile names have made the controversial move from Camp Nou to the Santiago Bernabeu over the years and Ancelotti is open to the idea of lowering the Clasico drawbridge again.
"Messi could be a fix at Real Madrid? All quality teams have space in their side for quality players," he told reporters at Friday's press conference.
The arrival of Messi, as far-fetched as it may seem, would see the Argentine paired with his long time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Between them, the two players have won the Ballon d'Or six times, but it is Ronaldo who is the stand out favourite to win the trophy for a third time in January.
Earlier this week Manuel Neuer appeared to endorse his own case for winning the prize after claiming he didn’t need an underwear campaign to support his case, in a jibe at the Portugal captain.
Former Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, now at Bayern, then voiced his support for Neuer to be named the world's best player on the back of his World Cup success.
However, Ancelotti believes Ronaldo is the only outstanding choice:”Xabi is among the few who think Ronaldo will not win the Golden Ball [Ballon d’Or].
"It seems like people are forgetting that Ronaldo scored 17 goals in Champions League. We should talk about the Golden Ball of the next year, because for this one, there is no doubt.”
Madrid have been dealt a blow following the news Luka Modric will be missing for three months with a thigh injury.
His absence means Sami Khedira is set to be brought in from the cold, having long been linked with a move away from the club.
“The absence of Modric is important, but we can fix it with other important players. If Khedira has not fully recovered, we will play with Isco as midfielder.
“Isco gives me more quality. Khedira, more physical. Isco is happy to play in any position that I put him.
“Illarramendi can also play with Kroos.”
Ancelotti also added that youth product Alvaro Medran is training with the first team in light of Modric’s absence, while ruling out the prospect of Jese Rodriguez leaving the club on loan in January, despite his bit-part role since returning from a serious knee injury.
Madrid face Eibar in La Liga on Saturday.
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