Liverpool’s admiration for Rafinha Alcántara could prove to be a key factor in Barcelona’s ongoing pursuit of Philippe Coutinho this summer.
The Brazilian has been outlined as a potentially key component to the La Liga side’s proposed move for the Reds No.10, with reports from Spain hinting at a cash plus player deal.
Following meetings between representatives of both Barcelona and Coutinho, the player has met with Jurgen Klopp and asked the Liverpool manager to let him leave, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The same report has also suggested Rafinha, rated at €30-€40million, could play a significant role in helping twist Liverpool’s arm and subsequently luring Coutinho to the Camp Nou.
Barcelona have already seen an opening bid of £72million rejected for their priority target, who is seemingly viewed as a first choice replacement for supposedly PSG-bound Neymar. They are, however, expected to put Liverpool’s resolve to the rest by returning with a much-improved offer.
Regardless of the Catalan side’s spending power, the Reds have remained adamant their star man is not for sale at any price and a suggestion they would consider a deal including Rafinha seems way off the mark at this stage.
It is similarly unlikely Coutinho himself has informed the club of a desire to leave given various reports also suggesting he is happy to stay put having only signed a new five-year deal in January.
At this stage, fans have good reason to believe he is going nowhere.
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