Despite Messi's initial refusal to entertain a move to the Far East last summer, Hebei Fortune apparently remain undeterred in their quest to sign the Barcelona superstar.

Managed by former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, the Super League side recently added Javier Mascherano to their ranks, which also includes Ezequiel Lavezzi. The hope is that the Argentine's compatriots will help convince him to seek a new challenge at the end of the season.

The only issue, of course, is that Messi's new contract -- which runs until 2021 -- contains a €700 million release clause. We're about to find out how big Hebei's fortune really is.