Barcelona are reportedly unable to insist that any interested clubs meet a £632m release clause for Lionel Messi.

Since it emerged that the 33-year-old wants to leave Camp Nou this summer, the Catalan giants have acknowledged that they have no intention of parting ways with their star man on a free transfer.

That goes against the wish of Messi, who argues that a clause initially due to expire on June 10 would be extended as a result of the changes made to the footballing schedule.

However, despite believing that they could demand that any team pay the Argentine's £632m buy-out clause, it now appears that Barcelona may have to consider offers well below that figure.

According to Cadena Ser, that option in Messi's contract expired at the end of the season, a development which will allegedly lead to club officials looking to recoup £250m.

With the superstar seemingly keen on a reunion with Pep Guardiola, Manchester City are regarded as the clear favourites to sign the attacker.