Barcelona are on the transfer ‘offensive’ as they edge towards landing Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, according to Spanish reports.
Mundo Deportivo say that Barca are upping their efforts to sign the Brazilian starlet, despite Liverpool’s protestations.
German boss Jurgen Klopp declared they are not “a selling club”, as The Reds stand firm on keeping their star player.
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But Barca may be willing to offer even sweeter terms given the cash incoming from selling their own Brazilian.
As samba star Neymar’s £196m deal is looking increasingly likely to happen this week, the Spanish club are preparing to splash the cash on the Coutinho.
Neymar is trying to convince his international team-mate to ignore Barca and join him at Paris Saint-Germain instead.
The Brazilian duo have been close since the age of 14.
But the Kop ace, 25, is more likely to be his compatriot’s Nou Camp replacement.
And the Catalans will reportedly set their sights on Monaco wonderkid Kylian Mbappe once he signs.
New boss Ernesto Valverde plans to use Coutinho in midfield, and wants a new left-sided frontman to replace Neymar – with the Ligue 1 wonderkid top of the list.
Real Madrid and Manchester City are both keen on the teenager whose asking price is reportedly a mammoth £161m.
But Barcelona could now join the race for the 18-year-old.
If a deal cannot be sealed, the Spanish side are reportedly looking into Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele.
The enigmatic Frenchman is firmly in Barca’s sights, but Valverde wanting to wrap up transfer business as soon as possible.
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