Ferran Torres has delivered a pointed message to the Barcelona board ahead of make-or-break contract talks, urging the club to prove they genuinely want to keep him as Paris Saint-Germain step up their pursuit of the World Cup final hero.

Torres lays down the gauntlet

The 26-year-old's future has dominated the headlines in Catalunya in recent weeks, with his current terms at the Camp Nou due to expire in 12 months' time. Fresh off netting the winning goal in the World Cup final, Torres has been heavily linked with a move away from Barcelona, with Champions League holders PSG understood to be pushing hard for his signature.

Barcelona have pencilled in an imminent round of talks with the versatile attacker and his entourage — and Torres has publicly advised sporting director Deco and the club's hierarchy on how to approach that meeting. Speaking in an interview with American outlet NBC, he said:

"What do Barça have to do? Show that they really want me, that they've come to negotiate. In the end, it's all about talking."

PSG hope to strike before Torres returns

The Spanish forward is yet to rejoin his club following the World Cup celebrations — and PSG reportedly want that "yet" to become a "never." The French giants have sent Torres an offer they suspect Barcelona might not want to match, and are hopeful the striker accepts it without ever reporting back to Barcelona's camp.

Barça are said to have yet to see PSG's offer, and there are figures within the club who are unhappy with Torres over his public statements hinting at a departure. The Catalan club want him to put his cards on the table so they can decide whether to keep him or sell — and many within the club are reportedly leaning towards cashing in.

€55 million valuation and a striker shortage

Barcelona value Torres at around €55 million, roughly the same fee they paid Manchester City to sign him. While he only has one year left on his contract, strikers are commanding a premium in the current market — and the fact that he scored the winning goal in the World Cup final only strengthens Barça's negotiating hand on price.

Complicating matters further is the departure of Robert Lewandowski to Chicago Fire, which has already left the Catalans scouring the market for a striker. If Torres were to follow him out of the exit door, Barcelona would find themselves in a desperate situation — needing to sign a new starting striker at minimum, if not two quality forwards, to replace those who have left.

For now, all eyes are on the scheduled talks between Torres and the club. The player has made his position clear: the ball is in Barcelona's court to show him he is wanted.