Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Nelson Semedo and Philippe Coutinho

Barcelona are reportedly reluctant to pay the release clause demanded for Benfica right-back Nelson Semedo. The Blaugrana have been put off by the £50 million fee for the Portugal international.

Portuguese source O Jogo (h/t TalkSport) reported how Barca do not want to pay so much for a defender, although Benfica won't sell unless an interested club activates the clause.

The reports also indicated how Barcelona's hesitance could prompt another suitor, Premier League side Manchester United, into action: "United, meanwhile, remain linked with Semedo and might now launch a formal approach given Barcelona's unwillingness to pay over the odds for the highly rated full-back."

As the reports also detailed, the Red Devils have already taken centre-back Victor Lindelof from Benfica and could now turn their attention towards Semedo. However, the Blaugrana's need for a right-back is greater.

After all, United are able to rely on veteran Antonio Valencia at the position. The 31-year-old has already extended his contract to remain at Old Trafford for at least another two years.

By contrast, Barca's options at right-back are threadbare to say the least. Converted midfielder Sergi Roberto couldn't adapt to the position last season, while Aleix Vidal is recovering from a serious ankle injury.

Semedo is a natural right-back with the pace, energy and technique to fit the expansive game Barca love to play. The 23-year-old provided six assists in the league last season, per WhoScored.com.

Liverpool Playmaker Avoids Transfer Talk

Liverpool schemer and mooted Barcelona target Philippe Coutinho recently avoided discussing a possible transfer to the Camp Nou, per Joel Watson of the Daily Star.

Speaking before international duty with Brazil, the 25-year-old said: "Talking about this is complicated. I have a contract with my club, and it is long. So my focus is on the present and the national team. My focus is here."

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Coutinho remains on Barca's radar, though, according to Watson: "He's thought to be one of the transfer targets for Ernesto Valverde's side as they search for a long-term replacement for Andres Iniesta in midfield. Coutinho is thought to be among the names at the top of Barcelona's wish list, along with Paris Saint-Germain's Marco Verratti."

The idea of signing Coutinho to eventually replace Iniesta makes sense, since the latter is 33. In fact, a complete refresh may be needed across Barca's attacking midfield options.

Iniesta is ageing, while Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes disappointed mightily after signing for big money last summer. Coutinho has all the attributes Barcelona expect from their most advanced playmaker.

The Brazilian has become the creative focal point of a free-flowing Liverpool side on manager Jurgen Klopp's watch. His guile, flair and shooting power can be used from a variety of positions, either on the flanks or in central areas.

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Coutinho contributed 13 goals and seven assists in the Premier League last season, per WhoScored.com. It's no wonder Barca are so keen.

Yet while Coutinho didn't emphatically dismiss the transfer talk surrounding him, the player who is contracted at Anfield until 2022, per Watson, hardly endorsed it either.