Georginio Wijnaldum's proposed move to Barcelona is supposedly in jeopardy due to Lionel Messi's contract demands at the club.
Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi tried and failed to force a move away from Camp Nou last year, but there is growing optimism that he will commit his future to the club ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.
However, Messi has reportedly laid out a list of demands that Barcelona must meet if he is to pen a new deal, and one of them is believed to be the emphasis on developing up-and-coming players such as Pedri and Ilaix Moriba.
With the two starlets both vying for spots in Ronald Koeman's midfield, The Mirror reports that Wijnaldum could therefore miss out on a move to Catalonia if Barcelona bow to Messi's request.
There have been no further updates on Wijnaldum's contract situation at Liverpool, but he would not be short of suitors if he becomes a free agent in the summer and a transfer to Barcelona does not come to fruition.
Jurgen Klopp has continued to rely on the Netherlands international despite his contract situation, and he has started 27 Premier League games for the champions this season.
Ben Knapton
