Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Lionel Messi and Isco

Barcelona are reportedly ready to begin talks with Lionel Messi about a new contract, one expected to keep him at the Camp Nou for life. Messi's current deal runs out in 2018, but the club is said to be planning discussions regarding fresh terms for after the upcoming Clasico against bitter rivals and La Liga leaders Real Madrid next Saturday.

Spanish source Sport (h/t Andy Warren of MailOnline) reported the news and detailed the timetable: "The paper reports that Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu is speaking to Messi's father Jorge, who also acts as his agent, and that the player could be offered a 'contract for life,' with talks set to gather pace after El Clasico."

Keeping Messi in the fold is vital for Barca. However, rumours have been building about the 29-year-old's future possibly lying away from the Camp Nou.

In particular, links between Messi and Premier League side Manchester City have been consistent. There's an obvious reason for the chatter, since City are managed by Pep Guardiola.

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It was Guardiola who helped develop Messi into the world's best player when the two were at Barca. The pair heralded an era of tremendous success for the Catalan club, including winning two UEFA Champions League trophies.

Such a strong level of history, along with City's own deep financial resources, make the Manchester club one of the few who could likely even afford Messi. An offer worth £200 million has been rumoured, according to Simon Mullock of the Sunday Mirror.

However, Guardiola himself thinks Messi will retire a Barca player, per Goal's Sam Lee: "Messi is going to end his career at Barcelona."

The kind of contract being mooted in Spain would keep Messi at the club for the remainder of his playing days. It would be a massive boost to secure his future.

Barca possess a host of talented players, particularly up front. Attackers such as Luis Suarez and Neymar are match-winners in their own right.

Yet Messi is still the player Barcelona look toward the most for inspiration. He's still the man opponents fear, an awesome force who keeps his club winning major trophies every season.

Barca Linked with Isco Swoop

In one of the more outlandish rumours, Barca have also been linked with a surprise swoop for Real Madrid's attacking midfielder Isco. Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo (h/t MailOnline's John Downes) reports Barcelona will seek to strike a deal with the player, whose contract expires in 2018: "Isco's contract renewal with Los Blancos is unclear, and it is alleged that he would be paid a signing-on bonus if he arrived at Barca on a free transfer."

It would rate as more than a mild shock to see Isco in a Barcelona shirt. Of course, plenty of players, more high-profile ones at that, have played for both of Spain's big two. Some, such as Luis Figo, have even made a direct switch between the two.

However, shifting allegiances wouldn't be the only curious thing about Isco swapping the Santiago Bernabeu for the Camp Nou. He would surely also struggle for playing time at a club practically overflowing with gifted and creative midfield players.

Schemers such as Andres Iniesta, Ivan Rakitic and Arda Turan pull the strings at Barca. But there's also Denis Suarez and big-money summer import Andre Gomes.

One thing Barcelona manager Luis Enrique isn't lacking for is another playmaker.

Isco has talent. He's got a keen eye for goal, exceptional vision, natural flair and is a stylish passer. But those are all qualities Barca don't need.

What the club will need is Messi continuing to weave his magic and deciding big matches in the final third.