Barcelona will do 'whatever it takes' to keep Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp
Saturday 14 January 2017 19:26, UK
Barcelona will do "whatever it takes" to keep hold of Lionel Messi, accoding to club president Josep Bartomeu.
The Argentine's current contract runs out in 2018 with Barcelona CEO Oscar Grau suggesting a new deal could be hampered by spending caps imposed on La Liga.
The Catalans have already negotiated new deals with Luis Suarez and Neymar but are yet to tie down the final piece of their garlanded attacking trio.
Delays have pricked the interest of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, all of whom would reportedly be interested in bringing the five-time Balon d'Or winner to the Premier League if he left the Nou Camp.
Speaking before Barca's thrashing of Las Palma's on Saturday, Bartomeu said he had personally intervened in conversations with Messi, adding it was vital for the club to secure its record goalscorer.
"I have had conversations with Messi’s family and people so that he can continue here," he said, according to the club's official website. "When there is news, I will let you know.”
“I have been at the club since 2003 when Ronaldinho started this great era and that is continuing with Messi as he is taking us even higher."
Messi made his first team debut in 2004 emerging from the shadows of the Brazilian to win 29 major trophies, including eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns. He is Barca's all-time leading goalscorer with 480 goals.
Bartomeu added Messi "is the best player in the world and the best ever” and that it was "indisputable" that he features in the future of the club.
Despite the inevitable interest from other clubs, the Nou Camp chief reassured fans “there is no nervousness at the club, only calm and people working responsibly.”
On the subject of manager Luis Enrique, Bartomeu said the club would discuss his future in April, "but we want him to stay with us.”
