Barcelona 'close' to Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho

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Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho is 'close' to move according to Spanish reports
Brazilian is contracted until 2022 and has no release clause in current deal
Barcelona are planning transfer offensive and are chasing high quality strikers
Kylian Mbappe and Borussia Dortmund ace Ousmane Dembele are targets

Published: 04:48 EDT, 31 July 2017 | Updated: 06:24 EDT, 31 July 2017

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Barcelona are ready to go on the transfer offensive and are close to signing Liverpool's mercurial Brazilian, Philippe Coutinho.

According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Ernesto Valverde's side will ramp up their attempts to lure the 25-year-old to the Nou Camp.

Jurgen Klopp has repeatedly denied that his attacking ace will leave this summer and Liverpool could demand an astronomical fee, given Coutinho's current contract runs until 2022 with no release clause.

Mundo Deportivo reported 'Coutinho esta cerca' which translates as 'Coutinho is close'

Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho is the main transfer target for Barcelona this summer

But there is optimism within the Catalan club that their main transfer target will seek a reunion with Luis Suarez and push for a move.

Two high-profile players also on Barcelona's radar are Monaco wonderkid Kylian Mbappe - Real Madrid's No 1 target - and Borussia Dortmund forward Ousmane Dembele.

The club are exploring attacking options in the event that Neymar departs to PSG for a world record £196million.

The mercurial Brazilian is highly sought after due to his impressive performances last season

Borussia Dortmund striker Ousmane Dembele is another name on Barcelona's radar

Coutinho's compatriot could help persuade him to join Barca but if he is to leave, the club would be flush with cash and willing to spend big on Klopp's main man.

Valverde is hoping all deals can be concluded in an efficient fashion in preparation for the new campaign.

The new boss is targeting the completion of all business by the time his side take on Real Madrid in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on August 13.