Jason McAteer believes Philippe Coutinho will still join Barcelona
Coutinho would become Barca’s second-highest paid player, only behind Lionel Messi and ahead of Luis Suarez.
Coutinho would take home around £22m a season on a four-and-a-half-year deal if Barcelona can convince Liverpool to sell in January.
Don Balon claim Barca insiders believe Coutinho will wear the club colours sooner or later and are optimistic about getting a deal done in January.
Barca had at least three bids turned down in the summer and Coutinho submitted a transfer request.
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Philippe Coutinho has a contract offer on the table from Barcelona already
GETTY
Philippe Coutinho was desperate to join Barcelona in the summer
Coutinho missed the start of the season as the saga dragged on and claimed he was injured before appearing for Brazil, and scoring.
Since returning to the pitch in England Coutinho, 25, has scored twice in the Premier League in five games and another two in the Champions League.
However he is yet to hit top form and Liverpool sit fifth in the Premier League.
Barcelona will make an effort to sign the Brazil star when the window re-opens but Liverpool are likely to withstand their offers until the summer.
Barca have started the season well and top La Liga after 11 games.
Liverpool's Coutinho scores wonder goal against Moscow
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But they want Coutinho to replace the ageing Andres Iniesta, who is 33 and no longer at the peak of his powers.
And Barcelona and Brazil legend Ronaldinho claims he would be a perfect fit at the Nou Camp.
“I would be very happy to see such a talented player wear the shirt I wore for so many years,” said Ronaldinho
“I believe the way he plays will perfectly suit Barcelona and would be delighted to see a player of such quality wear the shirt.
“I like the way Coutinho plays and the type of football he brings. Those types of qualities will hopefully help Brazil win the next World Cup.”
