Lionel Messi wants Barcelona to beat rivals Real Madrid and sign Tottenham playmaker Dele Alli

• e-mail

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has reportedly identified Dele Alli as a must-have signing for the club despite Real Madrid being long-term admirers of the playmaker.

With Andres Iniesta, 33, not getting any younger and Ivan Rakitic's future uncertain, the Spanish giants are believed to be in the hunt for a new midfielder. 

And, according to Don Balon, top of that list is Germany international Leon Goretzka, who has been in stunning form for Schalke this season — while they also retain an interest in Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho. 

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has reportedly identified Dele Alli (right) as a must-have signing

It is understood that Messi has given his opinion and would like to see Barca sign midfielder 

However, it is also understood that Messi has given his opinion and the Argentine would like to see Barca beat their rivals to the signature of Alli. 

The 21-year-old has flourished since signing for Tottenham from MK Dons in 2015, and is now also a regular starter for the senior England team.

Messi is a huge fan, and would relish the opportunity to play alongside a midfielder who has scored 31 league goals in 80 games for the north Londoners.

Barca, however, will prioritise the signing of Coutinho when the window reopens, while also keeping a close eye on Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann.

Alli seems happy in north London, with Spurs battling for the Premier League title, but hinted earlier this year that he could be willing to leave in the future.

'We all want to achieve stuff,' the 21-year-old told Sky Sports.

Barca, however, will prioritise the signing of Philippe Coutinho when the window reopens

'It's a good place to be, and with the manager we've got here I can't see many better places for me personally to improve.

'It's a fantastic club to be a part of. We're all looking to learn together and build together and be as successful as we can.

'You never say what's going to happen in the future, no-one knows, no-one can predict it.

'For me, it's important that I enjoy the journey — whether I stay at Tottenham for the rest of my career or one day I have to leave and it's the right thing for me to do.'

Andres Iniesta, 33, isn't getting any younger and the Spaniards are looking for new midfielders