Paris Saint-Germain 'preparing two-year contract offer for Lionel Messi'

Paris Saint-Germain are preparing to hand Lionel Messi a two-year deal as the Argentine's move to the Parc des Princes draws closer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner seemed destined to extend his stay at Barcelona only for financial obstacles to prevent him penning a new deal, and his exit from Catalonia was confirmed on Thursday evening.

PSG and Manchester City were the two sides most strongly linked with a move for Messi during his transfer saga last year, but Pep Guardiola has ruled out the possibility of the Premier League champions making a move for the attacker.

As a result, transfer expert Romano reports that PSG are "so, so confident" about their chances of signing Messi and are putting together a two-year contract until 2023 with the option of another 12 months.

Romano adds that Mauricio Pochettino's side will present the offer to Messi and his father Jorge in the coming hours, and Neymar has been pushing PSG to get a deal over the line.

Messi, now 34, leaves Barcelona after registering 672 goals and 305 assists in 778 appearances, winning four Champions League titles and 10 La Liga crowns during an astonishing 16-year spell in the first team.

Chelsea have also been tipped to swoop for the free agent following Thursday's news, with Roman Abramovich reportedly calling an urgent meeting to discuss the situation.