Barcelona News LIVE updates: Liverpool's Coutinho makes transfer decision, Griezmann claim

BARCELONA news is coming thick and fast as the La Liga giants prepare to face Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano this evening. Express Sport brings you all the latest updates.

Barcelona News LIVE updatesGETTY

Barcelona News LIVE updates: Philippe Coutinho would snub PSG

Mascherano hints at Barcelona exit

13:00: Javier Mascherano has hinted he may leave Barcelona at the end of the season.

"I have my contract to honour with the club but obviously, once the season is over we'll see what needs to be done - I haven't spoken to anyone about it yet," he told TyC Sports .

"At Barcelona, they've always said that they're happy with me and I have time to think about it.

Coutinho makes PSG transfer decision

10:30: Philippe Coutinho would rather leave Liverpool for Barcelona instead of PSG.

Catalan newspaper Sport say the Brazilian is wanted at the Parc des Princes by Neymar.

But he would supposedly rather join Barcelona instead.

The Catalan giants are expected to try and prise the midfielder away from Liverpool again when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.  

Messi praised by Valverde

10:10: Lionel Messi has been praised by Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde for his hat-trick for Argentina against Ecuador in midweek.

"If he has any critics they are few and far between, but when you see great things over and over again you stop being surprised," he said yesterday.

"Messi does what he did the other day [in Ecuador] permanently and we all expected him to deliver and he did.

"Most of all I'm impressed with his permanent competitiveness and the responsibility he takes on his shoulders."

Griezmann could sign instead of Coutinho

9:50: Antoine Griezmann could sign for Barcelona instead of Philippe Coutinho.

That's the view of Sky Sports' Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

“We do know Philippe Coutinho wanted to go to Barcelona and there was a plan for him to do so,” Balague said.

“I don’t see Liverpool getting rid of Coutinho in January at all. The summer is a completely different story. 

“It’s quite clear that Barcelona do feel they need a strong midfielder in the Verratti mould, and a strong player like Coutinho. 

“Remember though, it may not be Coutinho. 

“They have money as well to get Griezmann, which is another target for next season.” 

Welcome to Express Sport's Barcelona blog

9:30: Good morning and welcome to Express Sport's LIVE Barcelona news blog.

Ernesto Valverde's side are currently gearing up for their game against Atletico Madrid tonight.

But, in the meantime, plenty of news is coming out of the Nou Camp.

So stay tuned for all the latest on Lionel Messi, Philippe Coutinho and much more. 

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