Lionel Messi 'willing to take pay cut to free up Erling Braut Haaland funds'

Lionel Messi has reportedly informed Barcelona that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary in order to help the club sign Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland.

The Argentine's existing deal at Camp Nou is due to expire at the end of June, but the 33-year-old is allegedly set to pen a new 10-year contract with the Catalan giants.

According to Eurosport, Messi has told Barca president Joan Laporta that he will accept reduced terms to help his team finance a big-money move for Haaland.

The report claims that the South American is desperate for the club to show ambition during this summer's transfer window in a bid to return to former glories.

Paris Saint-Germain continue to be linked with Messi, but the attacker has allegedly now decided to remain with Barca despite attempting to force an exit last summer.

Haaland, meanwhile, continues to be linked with a move away from Dortmund, and Barca are likely to face competition from the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool for the Norway international's signature.