Lionel Messi to sign new Barcelona deal?

Lionel Messi is reportedly closing in on a new six-year deal with Barcelona that would see him become Europe's highest-paid player.

The 25-year-old Argentine last signed a contract in 2009, but looks likely to ink a new deal that will tie him to the club for a further six years.

It has been reported that his salary will eventually see him earning up to £12.5 million a year before bonuses.

Messi, who has scored 23 goals in 15 games so far this season, recently broke Gerd Mueller's record for most goals in a calendar year.

He joined Barca's youth ranks in 2000 before making his first-team debut three years later, and is widely regarded as the favourite for this year's Ballon d'Or.