Lionel Messi appears to call the shots wherever he goes. With the Catalan giants in the hunt for a new playmaker, the Argentine has told the club's hierarchy to sign this must-have star.
33-year-old Andres Iniesta's spell at the Camp Nou is reaching its twilight and Ivan Rakitic is yet to fully convince the home fans, meaning Barcelona are expected to step up their pursuit for a new midfielder.
As reported by Spanish daily 'Don Balon', Lionel Messi has given his opinion on the matter, suggesting the signing of 21-year-old Tottenham and England star Dele Alli. Messi wants Barca to beat arch-rivals Real Madrid to the signature of a long-term target for the 'Blancos'.
After Barcelona failed to land Philippe Coutinho last summer, Messi has identified Alli as an ideal alternative for the following season, declaring himself to be a huge fan of the attacking midfielder who has scored 31 league goals for Spurs since arriving from MK Dons in 2015.
Alli has also established himself as a regular starter for the England national team and a move to the Camp Nou would certainly be a huge step in his meteoric rise to stardom.