Oyinlola Awonuga Balogun (The New Diplomat’s Entertainment, Fashion and Sports Desk)
Premier League club Manchester City have made a new contract proposal to Barcelona captain Lionel Messi.
The Sun says City offered the 33-year-old a five-year deal worth £600m last summer but have now presented the Barca captain with a new package of £430m.
The report claims the Premier League side are not prepared to match their previous offer due to the financial climate and that Messi is another year into his career.
The forward is out of contract at the end of the 2020/21 campaign, meaning City would not have to pay a transfer fee.
It is also reported that City want Messi on a two-year deal at the Etihad with a 12-month option before another two seasons in the MLS at sister club New York City.
The potential package could see him commit to eight years with the forward also carrying out ambassadorial duties with the clubs owned by the City Football Group.