Barcelona to turn to Bayer Leverkusen’s Max Meyer and Julian Brandt if Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho swoop fails
PHILIPPE COUTINHO is among three Barcelona targets as they eye January splash, according to reports in Spain.
Nou Camp chiefs are determined to land a big-name signing when the transfer window opens.
But Spanish outlet Sport insists the Catalans are not willing to meet Liverpool's asking price and have identified Max Meyer and Julian Brandt as alternatives.
Barca pursued Coutinho last summer after making the Brazilian their No1 choice to replace Neymar.
But the Reds would not play ball and a £138million switch did not get over the line.
Pacey France winger Ousmane Dembele ended up arriving from Borussia Dortmund for the same fee.
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And La Liga leaders Barca think Coutinho can slot in alongside the youngster as they aim to capitalise on Real Madrid's slow start.
The Catalan giants are yet to find a long-term replacement for Xavi and believe the Brazil star is the perfect fit.
But Sport claim Barcelona have already spoken to Schalke and Bayer Leverkusen about Meyer, 22, and Brandt, 21.
The duo are two of the next generation of German talent and have already been able to make an impact on the national team.
While neither would come cheap, they are younger than Coutinho, 25, and could potentially emerge as world-class talents.
Coutinho has shrugged off his failed bid to make a big impact for Jurgen Klopp since recovering from injury - increasing the German boss' hopes of keeping hold of his star asset.
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