London, Dec 4 (IANS): Manchester City star forward Sergio Aguero has vowed to try and persuade Argentine team-mate Lionel Messi into signing with the English football club.

The two attackers are said to be close friends having been together in the Argentina youth national squad and the senior team.

Aguero, who was married to Giannina, Maradona’s daughter, for four years and has a son, Benjamin, with her, but split in 2013, said that it would be a difficult proposition to prise Messi away from Barcelona, however, he would try nevetheless.

"It's a tough ask. I'll try and convince him," the former Atletico Madrid striker was quoted as saying by mirror.co.uk.

"You want the best players to be playing in the Premier League. I'll certainly try and convince him."

Messi recently became the all-time La Liga top scorer, but his future has been clouded in mystery, especially after he suggested in an interview with Argentine publication Ole that he could potentially leave the Camp Nou in the summer due to differences with some at the club.

Not every club will be able to afford the 27-year-old, who has 371 goals in 443 games for the Catalan giants in all competitions.

A list that includes City, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint Germain, Chelsea and Real Madrid -- would be able to afford the 250-million-euro release clause in the four-time Ballon d'Or winner's contract.