According to Diario Gol, Messi is keen for Barca to add to their backline options.
And that’s due to Gerard Pique underperforming, Thomas Vermaelen’s potential summer exit and Yerry Mina’s lack of top-level experience.
Messi’s preference is apparently for Barcelona to sign Alaba, which would come as a serious blow to Perez.
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Lionel Messi wants Barcelona to beat Real Madrid to Bayern Munich star David Alaba
David Alaba shows off fitness as he trains with Bayern Munich
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GETTY
Barcelona and Real Madrid look poised to scrap it out for Bayern Munich star David Alaba
The Real president is desperate to bring in Alaba due to Zinedine Zidane’s side’s struggles this term.
Perez is said to have serious fears Real will be off the pace again next season if they don’t bring in a player of Alaba’s ilk.
However, if the influential Messi has his way, Perez will have to go looking elsewhere for reinforcements.