You might think that the chances of signing Lionel Messi are nigh on impossible.

However, with rules stating that Spanish clubs must give their players a release clause, there is always the possibility of another club prising the five-time Ballon d’Or winner away from Barcelona.

We’ve already seen what happens when Barca tempt another club with a relatively low release clause. Paris Saint-Germain were able to snap up Neymar for *only* £199 million after they triggered the clause in the Brazilian’s contract.

But how much would Messi cost?

Well, before he signs his new deal, he can be signed for £267 million - not an outrageous amount for one of the best players to have ever played the sport.

Nine players with a bigger release clause than Messi

That figure means there are NINE players that have a higher release clause than the Barcelona superstar.

Reckon you can name them?

If you can’t, here is the list:

Cristiano Ronaldo | Real Madrid | £886m

Karim Benzema | Real Madrid | £886m

Isco | Real Madrid | £620m

Marco Asensio | Real Madrid | £620m

Gareth Bale | Real Madrid | £443m

Luka Modric | Real Madrid | £443m

Toni Kroos | Real Madrid) | £443m

Dani Ceballos | Real Madrid | £443m

Ousmane Dembele | Barcelona | £354m

So, it seems Madrid are in no danger of losing one of their star players like Barca did with Neymar after handing out ridiculous release clauses.

Maybe Madrid could teach their El Clasico rivals a thing or two when it comes to securing deals for their players.

It does seem they're starting to learn their lesson, though, after securing Dembele on a long-term contract with a £354 million release clause.

No club will be triggering that anytime soon.