Barcelona are ready to tie down Lionel Messi to a long-term deal worth a staggering £80 million.

Aware of interest from the likes of Chelsea and Inter Milan, Barca's board are preparing to open new contract talks with Messi's minders this summer.

The Argentine whiz has a deal until 2011 and Barca directors intend to extend that to 2014 with an offer which will be worth £80 million over six years.