The Catalans have become embroiled in a transfer saga for the Anfield maestro.

But Spanish new outlet Don Balon say Messi wants the La Liga giants to draft in Alli.

Barca lost Neymar to Paris St-Germain last week.

The Brazilian forward cost the Ligue 1 side an eye-watering £199m.

And that means Ernesto Valverde now has a hefty amount of cash to splash.

Coutinho and PSG star Marco Verratti have both been touted as potential arrivals.

But Don Balon claim Messi is adamant England international Alli is the best bet.

Alli, 21, has flourished since moving to Tottenham from MK Dons in 2015.

He's bagged 28 goals in 70 games for the north Londoners.

Mauricio Pochettino will be extremely reluctant to part with his prized asset, though.

Spurs have been thrown into turmoil after Danny Rose admitted he wanted to leave the club.

Pochettino has already lost one of last season's first-team stars this summer.

Kyle Walker joined Manchester City in a deal worth around £52m last month.