BARCELONA and Liverpool will sit down on January 3 to discuss a potential deal for Philippe Coutinho, according to reports.
Barcelona are determined to lure Coutinho away from Liverpool when the transfer window reopens next month.
Despite missing out on the Brazil international back in the summer, the 25-year-old is still wanted by Barca boss Ernesto Valverde.
Coutinho’s sparkling form has rekindled Liverpool’s hopes of securing Champions League football for next season, with the player recently inspiring them to a 5-0 win over Swansea.
Yet Spanish outlet Diario Gol claim he could be leaving Anfield next month with a meeting due to take place just three days into 2018.
It is said the player’s entourage will meet with Barcelona where they will aim to thrash out a deal.
Though Coutinho is inilegable for the Champions League, the Catalan giants are undeterred.
Diario Gol say they see him as the perfect long-term replacement for Andres Iniesta who, with Coutinho cup-tied, would be spared for ages in Europe instead.
The thought of a move is also said to have gone down badly over at Real Madrid.
Los Blancos’ title hopes are in tatters after Barcelona thumped them 3-0 in El Clasico at the Bernabeu last week.
However, should Liverpool resist all efforts to sign Coutinho, Barcelona will rival Manchester United for Mesut Ozil.
The Germany international’s contract at Arsenal is winding down.
And, though reports have claimed a new deal could be signed, he currently looks likely to enter 2018 with mere months remaining on his contract.
Source:www.express.co.uk