Argentine forward, Lionel Messi may be allowed to leave Barcelona for just €100 million (£88m/$118m), according to the Telegraph.
Sources familiar with the situation claim a significant compromise may likely be reached over the Argentine’s asking price with Barca currently adamant on his full €700 million (£621m/$830m) release be paid.
On a dramatic day when Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, flew from Argentina to Barcelona and declared it would be “difficult” for his son to play for the club again, sources believe a compromise deal could eventually be reached that would allow the 33-year-old to leave the club this summer.
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Jorge Messi held showdown talks with Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu, who is at the centre of the player’s unhappiness due to an irretrievable breakdown in their relationship, and is expected to have disputed claims his son is bound to a €700m (£622m) buyout clause in his contract.
Barcelona continue to insist that Messi is not for sale and they wanted him to sign a new deal, despite his clear desire to leave, having served notice of his intent and having also failed to turn up for pre-season training.
But all sides are aware that he could talk to other clubs in just four months time and sign a pre-contract allowing him to leave for nothing when his current deal expires next summer.
Manchester City have been strongly linked with a move for Messi with details of his potential contract at the Etihad recently being reported.
Indeed sources believe City would be firm favourites to sign Messi although the club has remained cautious until there is greater clarity over the prospects of agreeing a deal. It is hoped that may become apparent within the next two weeks.
Barcelona have already started a clear-out of their squad allowing Ivan Rakitic to leave for a nominal fee and with Arturo Vidal and Luis Suarez expected to follow as they attempt to reduce a crippling wage bill.
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