Barcelona have reportedly still yet to offer Lionel Messi a new contract, despite the superstar forward having just two months to run on his existing deal.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner remained at Camp Nou for the 2020-21 campaign after failing in his attempt to force through an exit last summer.
However, Messi is set to become a free agent at the end of June and is able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club should he wish.
Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are considered the favourites to sign the Argentina international should he end his 17-season stay with Barca.
Spanish outlet Marca suggests that the Catalan giants are hoping to open talks with Messi over fresh terms soon, but they cannot do so at the moment.
It is claimed that Barca are having to delay discussions as they continue to assess their financial position, with the club having to pay off €1bn (£890m) in debt.
Messi's father Jorge was pictured in Catalonia at the weekend for the first time since last September, suggesting that negotiations are set to begin.
Daniel Lewis
