Reports in Spain claim that Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi has told the club's board his three attacking midfield targets for January, in the event that a deal for Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho cannot be done.
The Catalan giants remain interested in the Brazilian, despite seeing three bids for the player turned down in the summer. Barca are expected to return with a fresh offer in January but the club are well aware that a deal could once again prove tricky.
Spanish news outlet 'Diario Gol' claims that Barca star Messi has now weighed in on the debate by proposing three potential alternatives to Coutinho.
The first name on the list is Monaco's French international Thomas Lemar. The youngster racked up an impressive 14 goals and 17 assists in 55 games during Monaco's impressive season last term but has struggled for form this time around. Nevertheless, Messi is thought to be a big fan, but with Monaco not looking to sell, any deal would not come cheap.
The next name prpoposed by the Argentine is that of Lyon's Nabil Fekir. The 24-year-old has scored 12 goals in 15 games so far this season and is considered to be one of the most in-form players in world football right now.
Finally, Leicester's Riyad Mahrez would also be a welcome addition to the Barca ranks as far as Messi is concerned. Roma's sporting director Monchi claimed earlier this week that Barca had seen an offer for the player turned down in the summer and if 'Diaro Gol' is to be believed, The Argentianian will be hoping that the club return with a fresh bid in January.
The report claims that Messi admires the trio because of their versatility, though with all three clubs unwilling to sell their stars Barca will have to get the cheque book out in order to do a deal.