It's been revealed Barcelona whizkid Lionel Messi had two offers on the table as his registration wrangle was negotiated last month.
DiarioSport says Real Madrid president Florentino Perez offered the 18 year-old Argentina international, through an intermediary, a stunning £8 million signing on fee to leave the Nou Camp while his semi-pro contract was still being recognised. That deal carried a buyout clause of just £200,000.
The Real contract offer was for five years, with the option to extend it further and was on terms greater than what Barca had tabled.
It's also stated that Inter Milan tabled a contract offer worth THREE TIMES what Real were offering. The deal would have made Messi, just 18, one of the best paid players on the planet.
But the Argentine chose to stay with Barca and his pro deal is said to be worth £25 million over nine years. However, there is an option to renegotiate in 2008, which is sure to spark the interest of rival clubs.