Philippe Coutinho sparks summer switch rumours as Liverpool ace praises Barcelona

PHILIPPE COUTINHO seems delighted to be linked with Barcelona.

The Spanish giants are reportedly setting up a summer bid with the Liverpool playmaker 'perfect fit', according to fellow-Brazilian Neymar.

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Both players were in the goals on Sunday: Coutinho with two for the Reds at West Ham and Neymar with a hat-trick for Barca at Las Palmas.

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Happily for Liverpool fans Coutinho, 24, insists his focus is on the Anfield club - although there is certain to plenty of interest from other European teams, too, given his inspired form.

Coutinho told : "Barcelona is one of the best teams in the world - so far nothing has come to me because if anything comes, it comes to my manager. What I have to do is focus on the pitch.

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Coutinho put West Ham to the sword with two goals

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"I have a contract with Liverpool, there are two games, there are a lot of chances for us to be in the Champions League next year.

"I'm happy to know that a great club has an interest, it's cool, for the recognition of their work, what I have to do is keep working hard.

"Liverpool is a great club and we have to put Liverpool back in the Champions League."

Coutinho only signed a lucrative long-term contract at the turn of the year.

But naturally his form this season has attracted interest from all over Europe.