Real Madrid ready to rival Barcelona in battle to sign Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho — with deal likely to cost £135million
Brazilian, who is also a target for big-spending PSG, came close to switching to the Nou Camp during summer window
REAL MADRID are ready to rival Barcelona in the battle to sign Philippe Coutinho, according to reports in Spain.
The Brazilian is determined to leave Liverpool in January, and is believed to want to push through a move to the Nou Camp — despite reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
But Mundo Deportivo claim we could have a Clasico battle off the pitch as the two Spanish heavyweights will go head-to-head in a bid to sign Coutinho — for around £135million.
The report claims Los Blancos have contacted the Reds about the Brazilian's availability, and have shown their interest in signing him.
Real Madrid will not be able to make the deal in January, which is when Barcelona are likely to act, and will need to sell a big-name to fit him in.
PSG are another side interested in signing Coutinho, 25, but they, too, are unlikely to attempt a deal in the winter window, given their outlandish spending in the summer.
Coutinho is understood to want a move to Barcelona above anyone else — and he has made that clear to Jurgen Klopp.
Ernesto Valverde has made it clear the Catalans will move for an exciting attacking midfielder in January.
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Coutinho tops that list, but they will move onto other targets should he prove unattainable during the winter window.
A long-term replacement for Andres Iniesta is considered their No1 priority.
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Andre Gomes was thought to be that man, but he has struggled to make an impact, and is likely to be sold.
Coutinho came close to signing for Barcelona in the summer, but Liverpool held firm — and even played him in the Champions League.
But he has made it clear he wants to leave the club in January.