Lionel Messi's potential return to FC Barcelona could now reportedly be in jeopardy following a new development.
The Argentine, whose current deal in Paris expires at the end of June, has been heavily linked with a return to the Catalan giants in recent weeks.
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It has been suggested Messi does not want to extend his stay at Paris Saint-Germain, although the French club is believed to be desperate to have the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner on their books next season.
Despite the Ligue 1 side wanting to keep the 35-year-old, however, they are said to be unwilling to raise the player's current salary, which has led to an impasse in contract renewal negotiations, seemingly leaving the door open for Barcelona to make a move for their record goalscorer.
However, according to Sport, the Blaugrana have so far failed to convince LaLiga they can afford to sign Messi after submitting a financial plan to do so, and cannot sign the veteran as things stand.
The plan will likely see more wage cuts at the club, players being sold and others arriving on free transfers, with there also being talk that some squad members' contracts could be terminated.
Failing to sign Messi would be just one problem for Barca as their plan needs to be approved in order for them to register the new contracts of Gavi and Ronald Araujo, who could leave the Camp Nou as free agents at the end of this season if a resolution for their deals with the club is not found.
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LaLiga have reportedly told Barcelona they need to reduce their wages by at least €200 million (R4 billion) to satisfy their strict financial fair play rules, with the club understood to be planning to do so by making some big players sales and once again asking squad members to take pay cuts, among other things.
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