Messi trying to block United’s approach
Lionel Messi is desperate to stop Manchester United from signing Jordi Alba this summer.
Alba is on United’s radar with Jose Mourinho hoping to strengthen his defence this summer.
Alba has a £130m release clause so Barca have no need to sell and United are unlikely to break the world-record and £100m-barrier for a full-back.
Alba would still be expensive if United could negotiate a cheaper fee, but a club the size of United could afford to pay big bucks.
Earlier this week the left back admitted he was unhappy with his current situation at Barcelona, but Messi isn’t keen to see the Spaniard leave the Nou Camp.
He said: “Here I have the full trust of [Spain boss Julen] Lopetegui, which for me is a compliment and fills me with confidence.
“It’s the one I’m not having in Barcelona, as I might like to have.”
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
