Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has warned the club that he does not want to Gerard Deulofeu at the club.
The Blaugrana are eyeing a move for the AC Milan winger, who is on loan at the San Siro from Everton.
Deulofeu joined Everton from Barca in 2015, although the Catalan giants have the option to a buy-back clause for the 23-year-old.
After seeing his career hit a stumble block since the arrival of Ronald Koeman at the Goodison Park, Deulofeu moved to Italy in January and has since become an integral part of the Milan side.
The Spaniard has been in stellar form since moving to the Rossoneri and has even earned a call back to the Spain national team.
Recently, Barcelona chiefs revealed that Deulofeu was definitely an option for the club in the summer as they look to reinforce the forward line, having suffered huge setback this season.
Barceona sporting director Robert Fernandez is giving serious thought about activating the €12million buyback clause.
“Deulofeu, yes, it’s absolutely an option for the future,” he told TV3.
“The club are considering bringing him back to play for the first team.”
However, reports coming out from the Camp Nou that suggest that Messi recently met with the club directors and told them to sell the player instead of signing him.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner wants Barca to make some high profile signings to strengthen the squad.
The Everton loanee has revealed that he is loving life in Milan and wants to stay at the club, and the Diavolo have told the star they will do all it takes to make his stay at San Siro permanent.