Neymar reveals Lionel Messi WILL sign a contract extension with Barcelona shortly despite delay over talks
Argentina superstar's current deal runs out in 2018 but team-mate is not worried about losing him to rivals
NEYMAR insists Lionel Messi will sign a new Barcelona contract despite a delay over talks.
The Argentine superstar's current deal runs out in 2018, with the club yet to put a new offer on the table.
But Brazilian forward Neymar expects his team-mate to reach an agreement shortly.
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He said: "We hope that Messi will stay in Barcelona with us. I expect that he will sign a new deal soon."
Messi has reportedly demanded £825,000-PER-WEEK to stay at Barcelona.
The Catalans would prefer not to pay Messi the staggering amount he is demanding — and are trying to appease him in other ways.
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These include showing their ambition to win more titles by tying down his fellow stars to lengthy deals, and by guaranteeing he has a comfortable environment to continue playing in.
The sale of Dani Alves to Juventus in the summer did not go down well with the club’s legendary No10.
However, Barca's decision to hand out new deals to Javier Mascherano and Neymar pleased the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
The club sit second to rivals Real Madrid in La Liga, with the latter holding a three-point lead and game in hand.
Neymar has scored just four league goals in 13 games this season but insists he is fine with his season.
He added: "I am very happy with the season I'm having so far, even with few goals.
"They will happen naturally. I am very happy with the assists, and I want to help the team in the best way I can."
Barca return to action on January 8 when they visit Villarreal in La Liga.