Liverpool transfer news: Philippe Coutinho ‘loved’ by Barcelona but Spaniards aren’t interested in deal
Guillem Balague claims Nou Camp chiefs are big fans of Reds star but would rather spend money on other areas
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LIVERPOOL fans can relax as Barcelona have no interest in signing star player Philippe Coutinho.
That’s according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, who reckons Luis Enrique would rather spend money on a different area of the squad even though he ‘loves’ the Liverpool hero.
Coutinho has been strongly linked with a Nou Camp switch in recent times and is reportedly keen to make the move.
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Andres Iniesta isn’t getting any younger and Coutinho could be just the man to replace him in midfield.
However, Balague reckons the Brazil international would only play second fiddle to the likes of Lionel Messi if he joined Barca.
And the pundit is convinced the Spanish champions aren’t interested anyway, telling : “Barcelona love Coutinho but they have no strategy to sign him at the moment.
“Neymar would like them to sign him and Coutinho himself is interested in the fact that Barcelona have followed him.
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“That’s because he’s a forward and he can play where Lionel Messi and Neymar play but they are both there. Coutinho can’t be a substitute of those.
“He’s also going to cost around 70 million euros (£60m) and there is no buyout clause. This would mean a lot of negotiating with Liverpool. I don’t see it happening. Barcelona will spend their money somewhere else.”