Lionel Messi was close to agreeing an extension with Barcelona but things did not work out. The Catalan giants confirmed that the Argentine international will be leaving the club this summer. Since the news broke out, the legendary playmaker has been linked with the biggest of clubs in the world and reports suggest that Manchester United have moved in with an offer as well. According to Ian McGarry, Man Utd are prepared to agree a contract that will make the 34-year-old earn a gross salary of £42million in two seasons (i.e. £21million per year – £404,000-a-week). However, for now, French giants, Paris Saint-Germain are leading the race to hire the services of Messi this summer. They are offering him a deal worth £610,000-a-week. The transfer expert told the Transfer Window Podcast: “Paris Saint-Germain are in pole position with regards to securing Messi’s signature and are offering him a contract of around £63.5m (€75m) gross over two years, and then allowing him to leave for free.”