Liverpool Transfer News: Philippe Coutinho Barcelona Rumours, Timo Werner Latest

Barcelona are reportedly eyeing Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho as one of their two candidates to replace the ageing Andres Iniesta. Elsewhere, Timo Werner has rejected speculation of a move to Anfield in favour of remaining at Red Bull Leipzig.

The Mirror's Alex Smith reported Barca want Coutinho and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti to replace Iniesta, who has "has hinted he will not stay at Barca past the end of his current deal."

Iniesta's contract is scheduled to expire at the end of next season, giving the Blaugrana roughly 18 months in which they have to find a contingency for if—or when—the Spanish icon, who turns 33 in May, finally departs his 17-year employers.

Coutinho has stood out as his side's chief talisman when fit, but after seeing the Merseysiders drop off what did look to be a confident title challenge, the Brazilian has spoken of his trophy frustrations, per Anfield HQ:

In terms of football personality, Coutinho and Iniesta don't really match up, with the former in fact a more attacking utility and PSG's Verratti being the far more suitable match in finding a like-for-like replacement.

But that hasn't prevented rumours linking Coutinho with a move to Catalonia from emerging, although Sunday Times writer Duncan Castles pointed out the maestro's poor form in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Manchester City:

This Is Anfield recently depicted how Coutinho's dip in performance, in fairness to the player, has come after a lengthy spell on the sidelines around the Christmas period, missing 10 games between November and January, pre Transfermarkt:

Meanwhile, RB Leipzig striker Werner has expressed his desire to continue growing in Saxony despite speculation of Liverpool's interest in his signature.

He told German outlet Welt am Sonntag (h/t Charlie Phillippe of the Daily Express): "I want to keep growing together with RB Leipzig and keep developing here. I am still only 21 years old and still have plenty of years ahead of me. I am very happy at Leipzig. Joining this club has been a stroke of luck. I have found my way again under [manager] Ralph Hasenhuttl."

Despite being just 21 and in his first season with Leipzig following last summer's move from Stuttgart, the youngster's 14 goals have aided the club in their charge for the Bundesliga crown, per WhoScored.com:

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has at times shown a reluctance to use Daniel Sturridge or Divock Origi as a central striker, often relying on Roberto Firmino to start in that role, even while the duo may be available.

That being said, there's no room left for interpretation on whether Werner will be tempted to Merseyside, with Liverpool now clear in the knowledge they won't be getting their hands on the Bundesliga hitman this summer.