Barcelona to open contract talks with Lionel Messi next week and are willing to offer him £30m-a-year mega-deal
The Catalan club are keen to tie down the striker on a new deal before the end of the season
BARCELONA are set to open talks with Lionel Messi over a £30million-a-year deal, according to reports.
The Argentinian superstar was in talks last year but his agent and father, Jorge, is now back in the city to close a and agreement.
Marca are reporting that the club were not worried about accelerating a deal but now Josep Maria Bartomeu wants Messi tied down before the end of the season.
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The La Liga giants are especially worried that Messi could start talking to other clubs with the likes of Manchester City circling.
And Barca's elimination from the Champions League has chiefs worried Messi may be tempted to leave.
Messi was heavily criticised after the 3-0 defeat to Juventus in the first leg along with Neymar.
And that could push Messi out the door if a mega-money offer comes in from another club.
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Barca face Real Madrid at the weekend in a crunch clash in the race for the La Liga title.
And Bartomeu is worried a defeat against their arch-rivals could turn the player's head even more.
The tax allegations against Messi also have the club worried he will up sticks and leave.
Messi and his dad could face 21 years in prison and a £3m fine if found guilty.