Barcelona News: Liverpool star Coutinho set for transfer heartache with De Bruyne lined up

Barcelona have been tipped to renew their interest in Coutinho after failing to lure him away from Liverpool in the summer. 

The Brazil international continues to be linked with a move to La Liga and, with Jurgen Klopp’s side struggling, could sign on in the New Year.

However, Spanish outlet Don Balon claims Coutinho could be set for transfer heartache with Barcelona ready to go for Manchester City’s De Bruyne instead.

The Belgium international has been nothing short of exceptional so far this season.

With City bulldozing teams, De Bruyne has taken centre stage and helped Pep Guardiola’s side open up a five-point lead at the Premier League summit. 

And that, Don Balon say, is why Barcelona are ready to give up on Coutinho for good.

It is said that, after losing Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, Barcelona want to show they remain a European giant off the field as well as on it.

As a result, they feel De Bruyne would fulfil the requirement of a marquee signing more than Coutinho or Bayern Munich’s Thiago.

Additionally, Barcelona also want a player to satisfy Lionel Messi.

The 30-year-old is yet to formally sign a contract extension despite verbally agreeing to do so back in July.

And Ernesto Valverde’s side think De Bruyne’s signing would ensure they keep Messi.

But they will no doubt be looking to avoid a repeat of the Neymar situation, with PSG signing the Brazilian only after Barcelona had initially tried to land Marco Verratti.