The Brazil international has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona in recent weeks.

Coutinho, 25, handed in a transfer request earlier this month in hope of forcing through a switch to the Nou Camp.

The playmaker has been tipped to replace Neymar following the winger's world-record move to Paris St-Germain.

And Spanish transfer outlet Don Balon say Liverpool are eyeing Real midfielder Kovacic should they lose Coutinho.

They add that the Reds face competition for the Croatia international, with Juventus also keen on the 23-year-old.

Liverpool want Mateo Kovacic to replace Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho: 12 possible replacements if Liverpool star joins Barcelona
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Jurgen Klopp is desperate to keep hold of Coutinho this summer.

The German has splashed the cash in hope of mounting a Premier League title charge this season.

Liverpool have signed Mohamed Salah, Dominic Solanke and Andrew Robertson this summer.

The Reds have picked up four points from their opening two league games.