Barcelona were prepared to off-load Lionel Messi for a staggering 200m when his contract negotiations were going through difficulties. Spanish newspaper AS has claimed that Barcelona were willing to let their star player leave – and were even prepared to smooth the deal by offering him 10 per cent of the sale.
The report adds that an email was sent to Jorge Messi, the forward’s father and agent, containing the proposal. AS also claims that the email will be strongly denied by Barca and came when contract talks between the club and the player’s camp were at breaking point.
The Argentine superstar had demanded a new deal after being usurped as the club’s leading earner by Neymar with his dissatisfaction appearing to transform itself onto the pitch with numerous substandard performances, which had irked teammates who felt he was not running enough. Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City, as well as arch rivals Real Madrid have all expressed an interest in signing the star. Though, Messi now appears set to sign a new deal and is much happier with his performances reflecting that.  

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