Barcelona news: Real Madrid think they know plans for Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho

Coutinho remains a top Barcelona transfer target despite the Catalan giants failing to sign him in the summer.

Liverpool rebuffed their advances for the Brazil international, though Coutinho's performances at Anfield have waned ever since.

But Spanish website Don Balon say Barcelona remain keen on signing him when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.

However, Real Madrid think that, should Liverpool again manage to keep hold of their playmaker, then Barcelona will try to sign Lyon star Nabil Fekir.

Fekir has been in sensational form for the Ligue 1 giants this season, scoring 12 goals from 15 games to help Lyon up to third in the league table.

And Real think that Barcelona will try to sign him if Coutinho ends up staying put.

Don Balon say that, as a result, Los Blancos are now mulling over whether to bring him to the Bernabeu.

Real's need for firepower is evident - despite the players they have at their disposal.

Cristiano Ronaldo appears to be stuck in a rut having found the net just once in La Liga so far.

Gareth Bale remains injury-prone, Karim Benzema is off the boil and Marco Asensio's form has faded after a bright start to the season.

Meanwhile, Barcelona star Luis Suarez has admitted he has been talking to Coutinho about a move to Catalonia.

The former Liverpool star told Mundo Deportivo: "Obviously he must have because he's a player who has ambition and any player would want to come to Barca.

"I know him as a person and as a player because I played with him, but everyone knows what Coutinho can contribute.

"He is a footballer, who today, plays at a very high level."