Barcelona eye Bayern Munich ace Thiago Alcantara if move for Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho fails
BARCELONA are reportedly eyeing a return for Thiago Alcantara if they cannot prise Philippe Coutinho away from Liverpool.
The Catalans still have plenty of money in the bank after Neymar's world-record switch to Paris Saint-Germain.
After failing to land Coutinho, they are still looking for a marquee signing.
And with the Reds so far resisting their advances, Spanish outlet Don Balon claims Thiago is being lined up as an alternative.
The Spanish playmaker was lost to Bayern Munich in 2013 - in a huge blow to Camp Nou chiefs.
But the midfielder, 26, is apparently keen to come back to La Liga as the Bundesliga giants struggle to compete in Europe.
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Barca have yet to identify a replacement for Andreas Iniesta as the veteran approaches the end of his career.
And Thiago - whose younger brother Rafinha remains at Barcelona - could be the ideal fit in a move which would be popular with fans.
After overcoming his injury problems, Coutinho has underlined his importance to the Reds with three goals in seven matches.
Jurgen Klopp is fighting to keep the Brazil star and has so far had the backing of Anfield chiefs.
After a 0-0 draw with rivals Manchester United, Liverpool face Maribor in the Champions League tomorrow night.
Klopp's side need a win after drawing their first two Group E clashes.
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