Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Philippe Coutinho and Aleix Vidal

Philippe Coutinho's former youth coach has said the playmaker's goal is to win the UEFA Champions League with Liverpool amid speculation he could move to Barcelona. Meanwhile, Aleix Vidal is reportedly "waiting" for a winter move to AC Milan.

Rodney Goncalves was Coutinho’s coach during his days as a youth at Vasco da Gama, and he reassured Reds supporters their most treasured asset has eyes on future success at Anfield, per the Telegraph's Chris Bascombe:

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Whenever we speak he always says that is very happy at Liverpool and his biggest challenge is to win the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool. He knows that if he continues to give great performances for Liverpool, he will always be selected for Brazil.

[...]

There is pressure on him but it is not a problem. He plays at a big club and plays in the most important league in the world.

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Coutinho has grown into an essential figure on Merseyside since moving to the Premier League in January 2013, and the South American's importance has only grown further under manager Jurgen Klopp.

Bascombe's report mentioned Barcelona's wish to unite Brazil team-mates Coutinho and Neymar in Catalonia, and the latter recently commented on the synchronicity he enjoys alongside his international partner in crime:

Coutinho also opened up on the Blaugrana speculation during the international break and cited Klopp as a major reason behind his commitment to the Liverpool cause, per the Sun's Dave Fraser: “Klopp gives me confidence, I feel at home.”

Liverpool already lost former star striker Luis Suarez to Barca in 2014, and Big Sport illustrated the Reds' wish to keep another of their shining stars out of the clutches of one of Europe's most alluring powerhouses:

Coutinho, 24, has scored five goals and recorded five assists in 10 Premier League appearances this season—equal to having a direct hand in one goal per game—and helped his side reach the English top flight's summit.

Although Liverpool fans won't count their chickens just yet, between the maestro's own declaration of loyalty to Klopp and his former coach's take on the matter, there might be cause to believe Coutinho is ready to reject Barca's advances for now.

Elsewhere, right-back Vidal is understood to be holding out on a January switch to the San Siro after his agent confirmed the Rossoneri are one of the clubs interested in the Camp Nou outcast.

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The former Sevilla star has played just 180 minutes of football this season, and representative Graziano Battistini disclosed information regarding Milan's interest to Spanish daily Estadio Deportivo (h/t Football Italia).

"We must find a solution," Battistini said. "He’s a player that is liked by many clubs, but I’m not aware that he’s a priority for Napoli. Milan? We’re waiting to see what happens there."

Midfielder Sergi Roberto has taken over as Barca manager Luis Enrique's right-back of choice this season, while Rafinha has been utilised as his deputy, suggesting 2015 signing Vidal may already be surplus to requirements.