Manchester United’s advances for Jordi Alba will be blocked by Lionel Messi

Manchester United’s attempts to prise Jordi Alba from Barcelona could be blocked by Lionel Messi, according to reports in Spain.

Left-back is proving a weakness for the Red Devils this season – with manager Jose Mourinho showing little faith in youngster Luke Shaw and instead opting to use Matteo Darmian, Daley Blind or even Ashley Young out of position.

Alba, who has struggled for game time this season, has been identified as a possible solution.

But according to Catalan outlet Diario Gol, star player Lionel Messi – already upset about the loss of Dani Alves on the right flank last summer – does not want the club to sell their best left-back.

Nevertheless, Alba showed his discontent with life in Catalonia this week after joining up with the Spain squad.

‘Here I have the complete confidence of the [national] coach [Julen Lopetegui] that for me is a compliment and fills me with confidence. I am not having this in Barcelona,’ he told AS.

Alba has had reduced playing time for Barcelona in recent weeks with coach Luis Enrique opting for a narrow 3-1-3-3 formation.

It is believed the left-back will push for a move if Enrique’s assistant Juan Carlos Unzue takes over at the end of the season.

But with a contract running until 2020 and a release clause of £130, negotiations might not be that easy.

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