Real Madrid were prepared to meet Lionel Messi's former €250m buyout clause in 2013, it has been revealed.
Der Spiegel reports Real were willing to pay Messi's buyout clause in June 2013, a couple of months before closing the signing of Gareth Bale.
The Argentinian's lawyer informed his father, Jorge Messi, of the interest, and had it completed, the transfer would've smashed the world record.
Their intention was to pay €23m net per year to Messi until 2021 and one million more to his father.
Real Madrid refuted any such bid had ever been made.