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Aguero's father dismisses talk of Barca move

Sergio Aguero has scored 19 goals for Manchester City this season © Getty Images

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Sergio Aguero's father has told Mundo Deportivo he would like to see his son play alongside Lionel Messi but there is "nothing at all" in rumours of a transfer to Barcelona.

Aguero has been the leading star for Manchester City this season, scoring 19 goals in all competitions, and his continued excellent form has led to reports of interest from Barca.

However, Aguero was recently quoted in the Manchester Evening News as saying he hoped to see Argentina teammate Messi join him at Eastlands, and Aguero's father, Leonel del Castillo, has played down any talk of his son moving to Camp Nou.

Speaking after attending City's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, which his son missed through injury, he said: "I would like to see Sergio and Messi playing together, but there is nothing at all."

Del Castillo said his son and Messi have already started joking about their upcoming Champions League last-16 clash.

City host Barca on February 18, with the return game at Camp Nou on March 12, and he said: "He and Leo are always talking on the telephone, and even more since the draw.

"They are very good friends. They like to joke among themselves, and they are already biting at each other. Imagine what it will be like when they meet on the pitch!"

Asked for a prediction, Del Castillo said it was tough to call but he hoped City's greater hunger for success would help them come out on top over the two legs.

"A 2-0 in the first leg and, in the return, at least a 1-0," he said. "You really like Messi, but you want your son's team to win. It is a pity that City and Barca are meeting already. I would like Sergio to score, if God wills it, but above all that Manchester City wins.

"All Barca's players are very good, but they must be careful with City's players, who are also really good. Plus they are hungry for trophies, and for such champions there is no bigger challenge than Barcelona."

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