Manchester City Have Offered Kevin De Bruyne A Lower Salary Because Of Lionel Messi

Manchester City have offered talisman Kevin De Bruyne a lower salary than he is on because they are still exploring the possibility of signing Lionel Messi.

Reports say that De Bruyne, although he is still committed to the club, is frustrated with City's first contract offer.

But according to Sam Lee, The Athletic's Manchester City correspondent, City have presented him a five-year deal that is less lucrative than his current one as they are keeping funds aside for a potential mammoth move for Messi.

De Bruyne is contracted to City until 2023 but is said to have been disappointed with the pay packet he was offered with given his importance to the team.

There is still a long way to go in negotiations, yet the feeling is that that the Belgium international will eventually come to an agreement and sign on the dotted line.

Image: PA

In his press conference today, manager Pep Guardiola said he was "not worried" about the situation, and is "pretty sure that he will stay."

"Sometimes we have to respect the process," Guardiola told the media ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final with Manchester United.

"I don't know what's going on because I didn't speak with Txiki [Begiristain] but he knows how we appreciate him, not just as a footballer, as a person - how important he is for the club.

"I'm not worried but in the end of course it's his decision."

A reunion between Messi and Guardiola was mooted in the summer when the Argentine handed in a transfer request and City appeared to be seriously looking at how they could sign him.

The Blaugrana's all-time top scorer eventually decided to stay put to avoid a legal dispute with Barcelona but he will soon be a free agent and looks increasingly unlikely to extend his glittering stay at the Nou Camp.

Agusti Benedito, one of the club's presidential candidate, believes the club captain is nailed on to leave.

He told ESPN: "Remember that in August he said he wanted to leave after 20 years and now he's still not cleared up what he wants to do. The most likely outcome I see is that he leaves us in the summer."

Topics: Manchester City, Football News, Football, Lionel Messi, Premier League, Kevin de Bruyne

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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