Barcelona to open contract talks with Lionel Messi this month?

Barcelona reportedly want to hold preliminary discussions regarding a new contract with Lionel Messi later this month.

Throughout this campaign, it has been well documented that Messi has had a clause in his existing deal which would enable him to depart Camp Nou on a free transfer during a certain period.

However, earlier this week, the opportunity to exercise that option ended, leaving the Argentine in a position where he now has just over a year left on his current terms.

According to Cadena Cope, the Catalan giants will approach the club legend with the view of speaking about a fresh contract before the end of June.

The report suggests that the La Liga leaders have little intention of holding extensive negotiations until the end of the campaign.

Messi is allegedly keen to retain an option of ending his stay at Barcelona at a time of his choosing.