Barcelona Transfer News: Javier Mascherano and Philippe Coutinho Rumours Emerge

Serie A champions Juventus are reportedly set to make an ambitious move to sign Barcelona's Javier Mascherano.

With the news that recent midfield signing Sami Khedira could be out injured for up to two months, Juve are apparently looking to bring in Mascherano as cover, per Italian outlet Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia).

The report suggests the Argentine is valued by Barca at around €15 million (£10.5 million) but also points to the Catalans' current transfer ban—which is not lifted until January—as a reason why the Old Lady may struggle in their pursuit of Mascherano.

The injury to Khedira is certainly a blow for manager Massimiliano Allegri, especially considering the midfielders that have departed Juventus this summer, per Italian football writer David Amoyal:

While Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio still provide strength in the centre of midfield, Mascherano would be a fine addition to add depth to a key area.

Khedira has been plagued by numerous injuries in recent times, and his fitness cannot be relied upon. Mascherano would provide cover in the deep-lying midfield role and elsewhere—the 31-year-old has often turned out at centre-back for Barcelona.

However, the Camp Nou giants are unlikely to let him go unless Juve come in with a generous offer. 

Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia) reports Mascherano "wants to finish his career in Italy after having spells in the Premier League and La Liga."

But with Barca still unable to sign new players and the former Liverpool man such a reliable and versatile presence—Mascherano moved to the Camp Nou from Anfield in 2010—it would be surprising if Juventus could snap him up this summer.

Coutinho Targeted in Traore Deal

According to Metro, "reports in Spain" suggest Barcelona have asked for Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho to be included in the Reds' potential deal to sign Adama Traore.

The Barcelona B midfielder has widely been reported as a potential target for Liverpool, and the 19-year-old looks a genuinely exciting prospect, per MailOnline's Pete Jenson.

However, there is seemingly a twist in the tale from Barcelona, who are asking for Coutinho to be included in any deal for Traore, a request that will surely be denied by Liverpool.

Brazilian Coutinho is arguably the Reds' best player, as demonstrated by the number of club awards he received at the end of last season, per LFC Fans Corner:

Coutinho will again be a key man for the Reds in the coming season, and although Traore is an exciting prospect, there is surely no way Liverpool would part with Coutinho in order to sign the youngster up.

Furthermore, Coutinho's playing time would likely be limited at Barca considering the wealth of attacking talent they already have in their ranks.

Even if there is substance to Barca's reported request for Coutinho, it will surely be shut down in no time by Liverpool.