Liverpool Transfer News: Philippe Coutinho, Barcelona Rumours After Brazil Goal

Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho has been linked with a move to Barcelona after he netted a stunning strike in Brazil's 3-0 win over Argentina on Thursday. 

Spanish daily Sport reported as much, as relayed by the Guardian's Sid Lowe:

According to Sport (h/t the Irish Independent), Barca want to recruit Coutinho to feature alongside their illustrious front three of Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Coutinho broke the deadlock in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier with a trademark blast into the top corner from outside the area.

Brazil stats account Selecao Brasileira is in awe of the 24-year-old and his recent contributions for club and country:

Indeed, the playmaker has also bagged six goals and six assists for the Reds in all competitions this season.

According to Squawka, in 11 Premier League games for Liverpool, Coutinho has created 30 chances and completed 29 take-ons.

The Brazilian has formed a potent relationship with compatriot Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane this year to Liverpool's benefit, and the Reds now find themselves top of the table. 

Sky Sports' Fabrizio Romano and Liverpool writer Dave O'Connell were also among those to hail his exceptional form:

Coutinho is a creative and technically gifted player who would likely fit in well at the Camp Nou—he already has chemistry with Neymar on the international stage and played with Suarez in the Uruguayan's last 18 months at Anfield, too.

Whereas in the past Coutinho would often be let down by frustrating inconsistency, so far this season he appears to have put that behind him—he is contributing goals and assists more regularly and generally producing a high standard of play.

The Blaugrana have no immediate need for his services—Suarez and Messi are still only 29, and they re-signed Denis Suarez in the summer—and Liverpool will naturally be reluctant to part with arguably their best player, but it would not be a surprise if the Catalan giants made a move for him somewhere down the line.