Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho is being targeted by Barcelona, according to reports in Spain.
Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claim Coutinho, 23, is unhappy and ‘suffering’ at the Kop, and is seeking a move, either in January or next summer.
Barcelona representatives are understood to have met with Coutinho’s agent, and a deal costing around £22m may be agreed.
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique is said to be keen on Coutinho.
Liverpool fans are already reeling from the news of Brendan Rodgers’ sacking as manager on Sunday, following the 1-1 Merseyside derby draw with Everton.
Jurgen Klopp is the hot favourite to take over, with Carlo Ancelotti ruling himself out.
One of Klopp’s first tasks, should be take over as expected, should be to secure the future of Brazilian star Coutinho.
Coutinho has stated in interviews that he is happy at Liverpool. But Barcelona forward Neymar would be happy for the playmaker to arrive at the Nou Camp.
“I am totally focused on Liverpool,” Coutinho said. “I heard what Neymar said but I want to do well with Liverpool. I am happy here and I hope this season will go well for us.
“Of course it is a nice thing that he said. Everyone knows he’s my friend but I am here and focused on Liverpool to help them do good things on the pitch.”
by Steve Osborne @BlizzardSteve75
