- Barcelona are targeting Coutinho in January although Liverpool want €150 million for the midfielder
- Liverpool want one time payment but Barcelona are looking at installment payments
- Los Cules will seek to sign Mesut Ozil or Gremio's Arthur if Coutinho is not signed
Barcelona are still desperate to land Philippe Coutinho in January however club chiefs have decided that if a deal cannot be done by the end of December, then they will need to move on.
Los Cules have earmarked Coutinho as their choice to replace club captain Andres Iniesta in the long term.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the club will not be held to ransome by the Merseyside club in January if a deal cannot be completed on time.
Barcelona still want to sign Liverpool's Coutinho in January. Photo: Uefa.com
READ ALSO: Checkout the stunning N120m Lamborghini Aubameyang has put up for sale (photos)
Ernesto Valverde wants to rest Andres Iniesta fully ahead of the Champions League tie with Chelsea in February.
Liverpool are demanding €150million to sell their player and while it's claimed there is an agreement between Barcelona and Coutinho, it has been suggested Barca want to pay Liverpool in instalments.
Ozil is a target for Barcelona but not a priority. Photo: Arsenal.com
If Barcelona fail to cut a deal, then they will move for Arsenal's Mesut Ozil and Gremio midfielder Arthur.
Ozil who would reportedly cost £20million has been offered £275,000-a-week to remain at Arsenal although it is looking unlikely he will sign.
Like the NAIJ.com Sport Facebook page for more breaking news and stats updates
Gremio starlet Arthur who won the Copa Libertadores earlier this month is already held talks with Catalan officials.
He was recently pictured in a Barcelona shirt and Gremio insist they want his full £45million release clause.
The midfielder was pictured with a Barcelona agent in early December.
The loss of Coutinho in the summer will not affect Liverpool after they agreed to sign highly-rated RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita.
Top 5 Nigerian football players: who is the best? - on NAIJ.com TV;
Source: Sports.naija.ng
ROSY CREST
Thursday, 14 December 2017