Manchester City have reportedly slashed their contract offer to Lionel Messi by a whopping £170million.
This means that the five-year deal, which they put on the table six months ago, is now worth £430million rather than the original amount of £600million.
Messi could leave Barcelona when his contact expires at the end of the season.
Paris Saint-Germain are very keen on signing the Argentine, who would link up with his former team-mate and friend Neymar if he made the move to France.
Currently, Messi is keeping his options open, and could still pen an extension at Barcelona.
But should he opt to try his hand in the Premier League with Manchester City, where he will be reunited with former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, then Messi will earn less money than he was due just six months ago, according to The Sun.
The financial climate following the coronavirus pandemic is City's alleged reason for lowering their contract offer along with the fact that Messi would join a year later than first planned.
City are said to want to tie Messi down to a two-year playing deal at the Etihad, with the option of extending this by another 12 months.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner would then be required to play two more seasons in the MLS with Manchester City's sister club New York City.
