Liverpool want Ivan Rakitic if Philippe Coutinho joins Barcelona as Neymar’s replacement this summer
Jurgen Klopp is reluctant to sell star player but is determined to make sure he benefits from big-money switch
LIVERPOOL will reportedly demand Ivan Rakitic as part of Philippe Coutinho’s proposed move to Barcelona.
Jurgen Klopp is reluctant to sell his best player but appears to have no other choice after the Brazilian submitted a formal transfer request.
Liverpool have already rejected a number of bids from Barcelona, with the latest weighing in at a hefty £90million.
And TMW claims the Reds will not sanction the deal unless they can get Croatian superstar Rakitic in return.
The 29-year-old is a key man for Barcelona and the Spaniards are sure to dig their heels in.
But after splashing the cash on Paulinho, Nou Camp chiefs could decide Rakitic is worth sacrificing in order to get the more attack-minded Coutinho.
And with just weeks remaining in the transfer window, Barcelona could make their next move sooner rather than later.
Coutinho is desperate to make the move to Catalonia and did not travel with Liverpool for Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Hoffenheim in the Champions League qualifiers.
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Meanwhile, Barca are also closing in on a deal for Borussia Dortmund winger Ousmane Dembele.
The France international has been suspended indefinitely by his club for going AWOL last week.
However, Barca are confident that a deal will go ahead shortly.
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