Two big stories coming out of Barcelona

Barcelona vice president Jordi Mestre has revealed two stories today that will influence the future of the Nou Cam club. They involve the situation regarding Lionel Messi's new contract and the future manager of the Catalan giants. 

Speaking to TV3, and reported by The Sun, Mestre was questioned on some of the key issues that currently face his team. Barcelona currently sit top of La Liga, level on points with Real Madrid. 

Firstly, Mestre revealed that Barcelona and Lionel Messi are very close to completing a new deal that would see him stay at the club. Rumours have recently been doing the rounds that Messi would leave at the end of his current contract, but Mestre says that they have "hit the final straight." The new deal for Messi could see the Argentina superstar earn £25 million a year. 

In addition to this, Mestre revealed that Barcelona chiefs have already got a manager lined up to replace Luis Enrique, although they will not reveal the name until the end of the season, out of respect for the man currently in the dugout. Enrique confirmed that he would be leaving the club earlier in the season, in order to take a break from the game.