Barcelona turned down Paulo Dybala deal TWICE to pursue Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho

That is according to Spanish TV show El Chiringuito, who claim Barcelona were offered Dybala on two separate occasions.

But Barca turned down the option to bring the Juventus man to the Nou Camp in order to try and sign Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

Barcelona made three bids to land the Brazil international, the last offer understood to be worth £118million.

Coutinho handed in a transfer request at Anfield to force through a move to Barca - but Liverpool stood firm and resisted any approach.

And El Chiringuito claim Barcelona could have signed Dybala instead in mid-August - around the time Coutinho handed in his transfer request - for £110m (€120m).

But the La Liga giants snubbed Dybala to focus all of their attention on Coutinho.

Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernandez reportedly doubted Dybala’s ability to play alongside Argentine compatriot and Barca talisman Lionel Messi.

Liverpool legend John Aldridge reckons Coutinho will get his dream move to Barcelona next summer.

The former Reds striker told the Liverpool Echo: "He's a lovely fella, he's a good family man, and Barcelona turned his head. It can happen.

"The move over there didn't happen for him but I'm sure he'll give us a really good season and wave goodbye next summer, because Barca will come back for him, he's too good to be ignored."