Lionel Messi decides who should replace Andres Iniesta as Barcelona 'say no' to transfer

Iniesta is coming towards the end of a glittering career at the Nou Camp and is said to have a lucrative offer on the table to move to China.

Philippe Coutinho has long been talked up as the heir to his playmaker role in midfield and the 25-year-old joined Barcelona from Liverpool in January.

It seems more likely that Coutinho will play on the left side of Barcelona’s front three going forward though.

And the latest reports from Spain suggest the club are weighing up their options as to who should replace Iniesta - with Messi making his preference clear.

According to Don Balon, Barcelona chief Josep Maria Bartomeu knows Iniesta could be tempted into moving to the Chinese Super League.

And as a result he’s considering who should take the Nou Camp legend’s place in Ernesto Valverde’s squad.

Messi is apparently putting pressure on Barcelona to hand a chance to academy graduate Alena.

Alena has been touted as one of Barcelona’s most promising prospects for a number of years.

And Messi’s backing of the young Spaniard has come as Barcelona have supposedly rejected the chance to sign Max Meyer.

Don Balon indicate Barcelona have 'already given a no answer' when offered the Schalke midfielder on a free transfer.

It is claimed the club are not convinced of Meyer’s suitability to take Iniesta’s place in Valverde’s side.

And it remains to be seen whether they will listen to Messi’s decision and hand Alena a chance.