Barcelona news: Iniesta and Rakitic lead rebellion against signing Liverpool star Coutinho

ANDRES INIESTA and Ivan Rakitic have made it clear to Barcelona they don’t need to sign Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, according to reports in Spain.

Liverpool's Coutinho scores wonder goal against Moscow

The Brazilian came close to joining Barca in the summer but Liverpool blocked his exit, insisting he was not for sale at any price.

Barca are expected to return in January with another offer they hope the Reds will finally accept.

But Spanish publication Diario Gol claim Iniesta is not happy about the plans - with the ongoing speculation about Coutinho’s impending arrival upsetting him.

Rakitic is another player in the dressing room who is reportedly against the club signing Coutinho as he fears it could cut down his playing time.

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Andres IniestaGETTY

Andres Iniesta reportedly isn't keen on Barcelona signing Philippe Coutinho

Barca brought in Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund in the summer to fill Neymar’s boots but the Frenchman suffered a ruptured tendon in his thigh.

However, he is due back in the New Year and Barca’s players are confident he will be a big boost to their quest for titles in the second half of the season, thus deeming a move for Coutinho unnecessary.

Diario Gol claim Iniesta is leading the rebellion against Barca’s intentions to sign Coutinho and the Spaniard has now conveyed his own, and his team-mates’ concerns, if they go ahead with plans to bring in the 25-year-old.

Philippe CoutinhoGETTY

Barcelona are expected to return for Philippe Coutinho in January

Iniesta and Rakitic feel they are under enough pressure already with Paulinho, Sergi Roberto, Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes all keeping the competition for starting spots high.

Philippe Coutinho’s desire to move to the Nou Camp looks to be showing no signs of slowing down though, and Barca will now have to weigh up their options in January.

The Brazil international has already netted four times and bagged three assists in all competitions for the Reds this season.

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