According to Diario Gol, Lionel Messi is keen for Barcelona to secure a deal for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli at the end of the current season.

What’s the story?

Suggestions of La Liga interest in Alli is not exactly breaking news, with the Tottenham midfielder believed to be on the wishlist of both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The 21-year-old has struggled to find his best form during stages of this season, but has still managed four goals and seven assists in 19 Premier League appearances.

Alli, who is valued at £54m by transfermarkt.co.uk, has also netted twice and provided three assists in three Champions League appearances this term – demonstrating that he is capable of operating at the top level.

According to Diario Gol, Messi has told Barcelona to bring Alli to Camp Nou at the end of the 2017-18 campaign, and the Spanish league leaders are ready to press ahead with a move.

Can Tottenham realistically keep Alli?

It is worth remembering that Tottenham have been very, very good to Alli.

It was Spurs that handed the midfielder his big break in terms of Premier League football, and they have helped him develop into a key player for the England national team.

Alli is contracted to Tottenham until the summer of 2022, but a move to Barcelona could well see the attacker double his wages.

Alli will also have to decide whether he feels he can win trophies at Tottenham when considering the strength of the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United in the Premier League.

Not many players turn down Barcelona when the Catalan club come calling, and it seems that Alli could end up in Spain sooner rather than later.