Bayern can entice Messi with success this season, says Magath

The flamboyant coach believes that the reigning champions are becoming an attractive proposition for the biggest stars around in the game

Former Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath believes the reigning Bundesliga champions can sign players such as Barcelona star Lionel Messi if they win the Champions League this season.

Bayern play Arsenal in the Champions League last 16 after finishing top of Group D, with the first leg of the tie due to be played at the Emirates on February 19.

The Bavarians already lured Thiago Alcantara away from Barcelona last summer and Magath thinks they will only become a more interesting option for top players over time as they continue to impress in Europe.

"If Bayern were to win the Champions League again this season, they would quickly become an interesting option for players like Messi as well," Magath was quoted as saying by Sport Bild. 

"Bayern are already the benchmark domestically because they have dominated Germany in the past few years. You simply cannot blame the players for wanting to join Bayern. 

"Just look at Manuel Neuer for example. He was part of the Schalke faithful in his younger years, screaming against Bayern. And now he plays in Munich and is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He would never have had his current status at Schalke."

Neuer joined Bayern from Schalke in the summer of 2011 and has since developed into a key player at the Allianz Arena side, winning a historical treble in 2012-13.