Barcelona 'to prioritise signing Haaland OVER securing Messi's future'

Barcelona are reportedly set to prioritise the signing of Erling Haaland over the securing of Lionel Messi's future this summer as the Catalonians prepare for a battle with their European rivals for the Norwegian hotshot.

The 20-year-old has attracted interest from Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid having enjoyed a sensational 18 months at Borussia Dortmund, scoring 55 goals in 57 games for the Germans.

Dortmund will reportedly part ways with Haaland for no less than £154m this summer, with super-agent Mino Raiola visiting Spain earlier this year to hold talks with Barcelona and Madrid over his client.

And according to The Sun, the Catalonians' new president, Joan Laporta, is desperate to land the Norwegian, despite the club facing debts of £1bn.

Barcelona are thinking long-term and view Haaland as the player to build their team around for years to come. The Norwegian, alongside PSG star Kylian Mbappe, are expected to dominate world football for the next decade.

Barca's desperation to sign Haaland means that securing Messi to a new contract could be put on the back burner while they pursue the Dortmund star.

The Argentine superstar turns 34 next month and talks have begun between player and club over a new deal, almost 12 months on from the star causing shockwaves by announcing his desire to leave Catalonia.

The same report outlines that Messi may be required to sacrifice up to half his current earnings if the LaLiga giants are to finance a move the £154m striker.

Despite the club's spiralling debts, club chiefs are confident they could fund the move by spreading Haaland's fee over the length of his contract.

The latest update comes after El Mundo Deportivo reported last month that Barca are willing to wait another year before landing Haaland if it means the move will be more financially viable.

The Spanish outlet explained that Barcelona view Spanish rivals Madrid as their main competition for Haaland's signature, and Laporta is determined to get one over Florentino Perez, whose preferred target is Kylian Mbappe.