Barcelona Willing To Give Away Player To Liverpool To Land Philippe Coutinho

It's clear that the powers that be at Barcelona see Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho as their top target.

For months there have been reports from a number of outlets linking the former Inter Milan man to the Nou Camp and his fellow Brazilians have talked up the idea of him joining the club.

Coutinho

Image: PA

Back in January, former Barcelona man Rivaldo said that Coutinho has what it takes to play in the blue and red of Barcelona.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:

"In my opinion, he's a great player and a player who knows Neymar well.

"I think they are both friends - players who stand out.

"I think that this transfer might happen because Barcelona is always going to attract the best, isn't it?

"He is one of the players who stands out and I believe that this transfer - if he goes to Barcelona - would be a good thing for Barcelona for sure.

"He is a player who would definitely help Barcelona. Of course, Barcelona is a big club, but with a player like him, it would definitely be a big help."

Image: PA

Neymar, who has a great connection with his compatriot, has also urged Barcelona to sign him.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, he said:

"I would sign him. "Of Brazilian teammates] He's the player I see playing in Barcelona."

And according to Don Balon, the Catalan club are so keen on signing him that they are willing to let Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic go the other way in a deal.

The former Sevilla man hasn't played as regularly as he would have liked this season and it's been mentioned that Barca would be prepared to let him leave if they manage to secure the services of Coutinho.

Image: PA

It likely wouldn't be a straight swap as Coutinho recently signed a new deal at Anfield and would still command a significant fee but even if they lose their main man, Liverpool would be getting a more than decent deal if they sign Rakitic.

Liverpool fans, would you welcome this deal in the summer?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

(h/t 101 Great Goals)

Topics: Barcelona, Philippe Coutinho, Neymar, Brazil

Josh Lawless

Josh is a writer who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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