Messi to sign new Barcelona deal

Lionel Messi has had a tough time of it of late. But he could be rewarded with a new contract by Barcelona when he gets back from holiday.

Mundo Deportivo says that the forward will sign until 2021, with his current deal ending in 2018.

The club is also scouting 19-year-old Santos forward Gabriel Barbosa. The Brazilian has also been linked with Chelsea, but told a news conference that ’soon we will know something more’ about his future.

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho is looking to strengthen his Manchester United defence by adding £22 million-rated Monaco right-back Fabinho, according to the Sun.

Fabinho, 22, is a Brazil international and has impressed in three seasons with Monaco, helping them to qualify for the Champions League on three occasions.

And, would you believe it, Fabinho and Mourinho share an agent. Yes, that man Jorge Mendes, and it isn’t the first time the pair have done business with the player either.

Fabinho spent a season on loan with Real Madrid in 2012-13 when Mourinho was in charge at the Bernabeu.