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Picture Credit: Twitter

Dark clouds continue to loom over football legend Lionel Messi's future at Barcelona as the Argentine is yet to sign a new deal with the Catalan club. Manchester City are one of the the favourites to sign the 33-year-old if he decides against penning a new contract with Barca. City even tried to rope him in their squad last year but have now lowered their contract offer for the six-time Ballon d'Or winner.

A media report suggests that Pep Guardiola's City have significantly reduced the wages they were willing to offer to the Barcelona man. While the club had tabled a five-year deal worth £600m when they tried to sign him six months ago, they are now willing to offer the Argentine a deal worth £430m.

Final call expected at end of season

[caption id="attachment_2210" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Picture Credit: Twitter[/caption]

Notably, Leo is in the final few months of his contract with the Spanish club and there have been hardly any advancements in him signing a new contract. Although Messi might agree to a pre-contract from a lucrative European club, his final decision is expected only at the end of the season or when the new Barcelona President is elected in March.

Meanwhile, Manchester City, who look set to win their third Premier League title in four years, are not looking to match their previous offer to Messi since they reckon the financial situation has changed, also considering that he as a year older. The Barcelona superstar is one of the highest-paid athletes around the globe and as per his recently leaked contract, the Argentine may earn around £492 million according to his current four-deal with Barca. It is a different story though that Messi also helps the club attract revenues worth £260 million a year.

It remains to be seen what unfolds next in the transfer saga of one of the most sought after footballer of current times.