La Liga champions Real Madrid have reportedly joined bitter rivals Barcelona in the race to sign Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho.
Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo reports that the Champions League holders have contacted the Merseyside club regarding the future of the 25-year-old.
The report claims that despite the new interest from Madrid, Coutinho still has his sights set on signing for the Catalan club in a deal around £133million.
Good move for Liverpool?
Liverpool must continue their stance from this summer and refuse to sell one of their best assets.
Although the Reds have experienced a mixed start to the season, Coutinho has produced some fine displays and alongside summer signing Mohamed Salah, he has been one of their most consistent performers when fully fit.
The Brazil international has only featured in nine matches with the first-team this season but he has still contributed with a total of four goals and three assists in all competitions.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have managed to cope well in his absence, picking up back-to-back victories but Liverpool still appear to lack creativity when Coutinho is not in the side.
The Reds cannot afford to offload the creative midfielder especially when the transfer window reopens in January but both Spanish sides are unlikely to pursue him during this period, given that he will be ineligible to compete in the Champions League knockout stages.
The Brazilian still has five years on his contract which means that the La Liga giants must be prepared to spend big money in order to acquire his services.
This Is Futbol rating: 1/10
Likely to happen?
As the report mentions, Coutinho is still looking to complete a move to the Camp Nou which means that Madrid have a long way to go in convincing him to join them.
Given the way both teams are playing, Barcelona seems to be his best bet as Madrid suffered two devastating defeats against Girona and Tottenham last week.
Even the most optimistic Liverpool fan cannot possibly envisage Coutinho walking out in a red shirt next season but for the moment, his preferred destination appears to be Barcelona and not Madrid.
This Is Futbol rating: 3/10