Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi demands PSG star as Andres Iniesta replacement

LIONEL MESSI has made it clear to Barcelona bigwigs who he wants to replace club legend Andres Iniesta.

The player he sees as fit to replace Iniesta is Paris St-Germain’s Italy international Marco Verratti.

Barca have spent the summer scouring the transfer market to make midfield recruits after Iniesta quit the Nou Camp.

The Catalan legend made 674 appearances for the club, scoring 57 goals along the way.

Messi admires Veratti’s vision and range of passing although he is not his number one choice.

According to Don Balon who are infamous for their transfer rumours, that spot goes to Miralem Pjanic.

But Juventus have no plans to sell the Bosnian who is an integral part of Max Allegri’s plans.

Another PSG player, Adrien Rabiot was also reportedly on Messi’s list of wanted players.

The Frenchman’s attitude was called into question when he recently refused a place on Didier Deschamp’s standby list for the France World Cup squad.

According to Don Balon Verratti is Messi's chosen man, although he would cost in the region of £75m.

The 25-year-old was reportedly offered to Manchester United by his agent Mino Raiola last week.
After the failed signing of Antoine Griezmann, Barcelona need to move swiftly to placate fans with a big-money signing.