Barcelona Transfer News: Dani Alves Twist Emerges, Koke Hails Lionel Messi

Dinorah Santa Ana, the agent and ex-wife of Dani Alves, has revealed the marauding right-back wishes to remain in Barcelona.

Ana recently said a switch to the Premier League isn't top of the Brazilian's wish list, as he wants to remain close to family, as reported by Catalunya Radio (via Nick Lustig of the Daily Star): "His future is uncertain. Right now, we're not negotiating with anyone - not with Barca nor any other club. We would like to stay here, mainly because our children are here. No one has told us that they want him to go."

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Alves previously appeared to confirm to Brazilian newspaper O Globo he would be heading to the Premier League, saying, "Next year I'm moving to England," as reported by James Phillips of Metro. "I'm going to play where the game began. This will be my last season at Barca."

The defender has long been identified as a weak link in the Barca defence—not because he's incapable but due to his attacking instincts. A move to Manchester United or Liverpool—two clubs who are building for the future—could freshen things up for a player who has spent the majority of his career in La Liga.

Barca currently sit top of the Spanish division and remain firm favourites to regain the domestic crown from champions Atletico Madrid. The Blaugrana were said to be interested in Rojiblancos midfielder Koke before the start of the season, per Sky Sports, but movement on the potential transfer rarely threatened to see a deal go ahead.

The Spanish midfielder recently told Al Primer Toque (via Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio) that he felt a summer move "wasn't the right time to leave." Koke also wished to "thank Barcelona because they were interested," before endearing himself to the Camp Nou faithful by admitting he "prefers" Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Cristiano is an athlete, Messi is God," Koke said. "Messi is the most difficult player to guard. I would like to have Cristiano in my team, but I prefer Messi."

Although it could be suggested Koke is pining for a move now Atletico's grip on La Liga looks to have vanished, it's interesting to hear the thoughts of a player who has faced both superstars.

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Messi often moves far more subtly than Ronaldo, allowing the Argentinian to find space few others can. He will jog into the smallest gap, receive possession and advance play before defenders can pick him up. Ronaldo opts for a greater directness and is more inclined to power beyond the opposition rather than find pockets of freedom to influence from.

Both players take a special effort to mark effectively, especially for 90 minutes. Koke himself has shown Messi-like moments of inspiration this campaign, having racked up five assists from his transitional position on the left, which often sees him move into the centre.

Diego Simeone plays well-drilled, regimented football, but his willingness to offer Koke a smidgen of freedom sees him trail only Messi on the current La Liga assists chart. By the conclusion of Atletico's title-winning 2013-14 campaign, Koke sat two ahead of the Argentinian and only behind Angel Di Maria in the overall stakes.

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It is this creativity which makes Koke such a tempting prospect. Certainly, there's no coincidence that Manchester United were previously linked with making a move for the starlet, per James Dickenson of the Daily Express, alongside reports that Cesc Fabregas was wanted at Old Trafford, per Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard.

Both link play in a manner which oozes control and doesn't deplete tempo, while both are immensely creative in possession. In fact, the duo posted 13 assists each during last year's La Liga campaign..

They represent the post-Andres Iniesta/Xavi Hernandez era for the Spanish national team, a time that looks to have come sooner than expected after the nation's recent World Cup failures.

Koke could also aid Barcelona's quest to fill the aforementioned legends' boots in the future, although he'll have to wait until at least 2016 due to the club's transfer ban. He'll no doubt have further words of praise for Messi should that day ever come, especially as the duo would be capable of formidable things alongside each other.

Stats via WhoScored.com unless otherwise noted.