Lionel Messi has reportedly insisted that Barcelona keep hold of Spanish midfielder Sergi Roberto.
Roberto, 25, has developed into a key player for Barcelona, but the Spain international will be out of contract at the end of next season, and has a release clause in the region of £35m.
Manchester United have been linked with a swoop for the versatile midfielder, while Real Madrid have also recently been credited with an interest.
According to Diario Gol, Messi, who has a huge say on transfers at Camp Nou, has told manager Ernesto Valverde and club president Josep Maria Bartomeu to prevent Roberto from leaving the Spanish giants.
Messi and Roberto were both part of the Barcelona team that recorded a 2-0 win at Villarreal in La Liga on Sunday night.
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
