Liverpool Transfer News: Philippe Coutinho Targeted in Barcelona, PSG Rumours

Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly among the front-runners to sign Liverpool talisman Philippe Coutinho, with the French titans already alleged to have made contact with the player's agent.

The Sun's Alex Terrell reported PSG have taken steps to securing the Brazilian's services and sourced French newspaper Le 10 Sport, which claimed Barca are interested but could be restricted by "cashflow problems."

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The report also provided quotes from Barca ace Neymar, who last year hinted he'd like the chance to play alongside his Selecao team-mate at club level: “Coutinho is a good crack. I’d like to play with him at Barca one day, he has the level to play.”

The 23-year-old has risen to become one of the Reds' most important figures at Anfield since moving from Inter Milan in January 2013, and Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo has said the club shouldn't consider a sale:

However, the admission that Coutinho "isn't Luis Suarez" serves as a reminder of the fact inconsistency is a concern for the player, thus perhaps not making him "unsellable" if the price were right.

Sunday Mirror columnist Andy Dunn told BBC Radio 5 live Sport that's bound to be the logic used by manager Jurgen Klopp, who could be looking to make changes at the club this summer:

Coutinho signed a new contract in February 2015 to tie himself down at Anfield until the summer of 2020, meaning the Reds can afford to drive up his price if they are to let him leave this summer.

Terrell added that "PSG value Coutinho at £25 million," but the raft of interest in his signature could see a bidding war force the cost up further in the months to come.

Paul Little of the Irish Daily Star joined the Echo's Jones in issuing a hopeful hands-off warning over a player who scored 12 goals and recorded seven assists in 43 total appearances for Liverpool last season:

Santi Gimenez of Spanish newspaper AS reported in January that new contracts for Lionel Messi and Neymar were likely to leave Barca in a financial nightmare this year.

So, ironic though it may be, one major factor that could prevent Neymar from realising his dream of playing alongside Coutinho may be the extension he's poised to receive at the Camp Nou.

That development could allow PSG to make their move for the South American, with both suitors able to offer UEFA Champions League football, not to mention a run at domestic glory in Spain or France.