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Lionel Messi wants Barcelona to beat arch rivals Real Madrid to signature of Tottenham playmaker Dele Alli

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.