Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has refused to offer a prediction over whether five-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi will renew his contract at Camp Nou.
Rumour has it that Messi informed the club in July he would not sign a new deal and would see out his current terms, due to expire in June 2018, before deciding what to do.
And while Barça officials remain confident of being able to convince him otherwise, it has sparked huge transfer speculation involving the likes of Manchester United andManchester City as one of the best players in the world teeters on the brink of availability.
Fresh talks have now begun and Enrique is hopeful an agreement will be reached, but he will not go as far as presumptuously predicting a positive outcome.
"It reassures me and I welcome the start of negotiations for his renewal," the boss is quoted as saying by Marca after he addressed the media ahead of the La Liga clash with Osasuna.
"He will join other players who will renew, and when it is announced, if it is announced, we will have to celebrate all of them. But for the moment I dare not make any prediction."
For the time being, at least, all attention is back on the pitch as Barça look to end a three-game win-less streak in La Liga that has seen Real Madrid pull away at the top of the table.
Enrique's team were on the brink of an important win in the Clásico last weekend, only for Real captain Sergio Ramos to snatch a later equaliser and ensure the cushion remained six points.
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