LIONEL MESSI will accept reduced terms on his new contract to help Barcelona sign Erling Haaland, according to reports.
Negotiations on the Argentine’s £2.4million-a-week deal are set to begin soon after a financial review by new club president Joan Laporta.
Earlier this month, the player’s dad and agent Jorge Messi landed in Spain in preparation for the talks.
And it has been mooted that Barcelona’s ambition in the transfer market will be a big factor in securing his commitment.
According to Eurosport, Messi will even accept a hefty wage cut if the savings are funnelled into improving the squad.
Borussia Dortmund star Haaland is known to be a top target of the LaLiga giants.
The Norwegian’s dad, Alf-Inge, and agent, Mino Raiola, recently flew into the city for transfer talks.
But the Bundesliga club will demand a fee north of £150m – which may be lowered if they fail to reach next season’s Champions League.
Barcelona were struggling under a ballooning wage bill before the pandemic, which has exacerbated their financial problems.
Rival interest in Messi is expected to come from Paris Saint-Germain with only two months to go until he is a free agent.
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Ronald Koeman is hoping to bolster his squad with cheap deals for Eric Garcia, Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum rumoured for when their contracts expire at the end of the season.
Also key to persuading Messi may be Barcelona’s LaLiga title challenge following a faltering start.
The Catalans had the chance to reach the top of the table on Thursday but lost 2-1 at home to Granada, with leaders Atletico Madrid coming to the Camp Nou in a week’s time.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
