Lionel Messi’s dad flies into Barcelona to begin talks over new mega contract extension

Lionel Messi's father has flown into Barcelona to begin talks with the club over a new mega-deal for his son.

SunSport revealed earlier this month that Messi is asking for £825,000 a WEEK to stay at the Nou Camp.

Now president Josep Maria Bartomeu has called in dad Jorge Horacio Messi to get talks moving.

Keep up to date with ALL the Barcelona news, gossip and transfers on our club page

The club would prefer not to pay Messi the staggering amount he is asking for and hope to appease him in other ways. These include showing their ambition to win more titles by tying down his fellow stars to lengthy deals.

Last month Neymar finally signed a new five-year contract, over three months after it was agreed. Javier Mascherano and Sergio Busquets have also committed to new deals at the Catalan giants.

Messi, 29, stalled on agreeing a new deal after being prosecuted by Spanish authorities. Lionel and his father and agent Jorge were convicted of tax fraud in July.

But Barca are hopeful of securing the long-term services of their star player, who could see out his career at the club.

The five-times Ballon d'Or winner has been at Barcelona since he was 13 and his terms are likely to be met if he cannot be appeased in other areas.

A lengthy negotiation is expected, with his last renewal process lasting for a year. His current deal runs out in June 2018.

Luis Suarez is also reportedly close to extending his Nou Camp contract.