Newell's Old Boys are making a serious pitch to Barcelona captain Lionel Messi about a move to his hometown club.

Messi's current deal has less than 18 months to run and carries a clause which would allow him to walk away from the club this summer.

Clarin says his old junior club Newell's Old Boys are making a major play to bring the Argentine great home this year.

Newell's captain Maxi Rodriguez is in regular phone contact with Messi, selling the club and it's plans to him, while a delegation are flying to Spain for face-to-face talks.

Newell's vice president Cristian D'Amico and coach Sebastian Peratta have organised a meeting with Messi to discuss the move.

Messi's future with Barca is in serious doubt after falling out with sporting director Eric Abidal and suggestions the board mounted a critical online campaign against him.