Philippe Coutinho ‘only has eyes for Barcelona’ amid PSG links — and is hoping to leave Liverpool to complete Nou Camp switch in January
Paris Saint-Germain have let their interest in the Brazilian be known but he would still prefer to move to Catalan giants
PHILIPPE COUTINHO'S only objective is to join Barcelona in January, according to reports in Catalonia.
The Brazilian was close to moving to the Nou Camp in the summer, before reluctantly agreeing to stay at Liverpool.
And, in recent weeks Paris Saint-Germain are reported to have stepped up their interest.
However, Mundo Deportivo insist that, despite various rumours, Coutinho only has eyes for Barcelona — and wants to make the move in January.
The report reveals the midfielder will reaffirm his desire to leave Anfield at the next possible opportunity every time he sees Jurgen Klopp.
Barcelona are in desperate needed of an offensive midfielder, and have made it a priority in January.
Following a difficult summer on the transfer front, they are looking to take advantage of restrictions PSG will likely have following their big close-season spending and make their move as soon as possible.
Coutinho, 25, is seen as a potential long-term successor to Andres Iniesta and he knows the opportunity to move to Barcelona will not be around forever.
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Should they fail in their attempts to sign the former Inter Milan man, they will look elsewhere.
Coutinho will not be available for Champions League matches having played for Liverpool, but that would put the Catalans off.
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Barcelona have money to spend following the world-record sale of Neymar, despite the huge outlay on Ousmane Dembele.
However, they are still looking to offload some players to fund the Coutinho signing in January.
Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan are expected to leave the club in the winter window.