Barcelona challenge Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho to do two big things at the Nou Camp
Posted Saturday, January 06, 2018 by Express.co.uk
Barcelona news: Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho has been given two big challenges
BARCELONA have told Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho they want him to meet two targets, according to reports.
Barcelona are closing in on a deal for Liverpool star Coutinho with the Catalan giants likely to land their main target this month.
Reports claim Barca have struck gold with their latest offer of £142million in a deal that will see the 25-year-old become the second most-expensive player on the planet.
And Spanish outlet Don Balon claim the playmaker has been given two targets by Barcelona.
It is said they have challenged him to be the perfect replacement for Neymar.
Neymar left Barca for PSG back in the summer in a £200million deal that sent shockwaves around the footballing world.
And though Ernesto Valverde then splurged £120m on Ousmane Dembele, they want Coutinho to be Neymar's proper replacement.
Don Balon say they also want him to be the perfect long-term replacement for Andres Iniesta.
Iniesta, at the age of 33, is entering the twilight stages of his career.
Though the Spain international signed a lifelong contract earlier in the season he could yet quit the Nou Camp for a new challenge somewhere else.
Iniesta's performance levels have dipped this season despite Barcelona firing on all cylinders.
Barcelona news: Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho needs to replace Andres Iniesta
And Coutinho is likely to be the man charged with ensuring the veteran is phased out in the right way.
Speaking recently, Valverde was coy when asked if Coutinho would be brought in this month.
"We will see if he comes or not. He is a great player," he said.
"We respect Liverpool and we respect the player.
"We don't know what will happen in the future but I like the players I have now in the squad."
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