Report: Philippe Coutinho 'Happy' to Be Makeweight in Neymar Barcelona Transfer

Philippe Coutinho is reportedly "happy" to act as a makeweight for Barcelona in their attempts to re-sign Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

According to Sport's Toni Frieros, Coutinho is open to joining PSG and "his agent has been negotiating his move to the French capital for weeks" with the French club and sporting director Leonardo.

It's said Barca will only be able to bring Neymar back to the Camp Nou by offering players in exchange, with Coutinho set to be part of the equation.

Coutinho joined Barcelona from Liverpool in January last year for an initial £105 million (€117 million).

The Brazilian has contributed 21 goals and 11 assists in 76 appearances for the Catalan giants.

A greater return will have been expected given the outlay upon him, and many have been disappointed by his performances at the Camp Nou.

South American football journalist Tim Vickery suggested in June he could be used to help bring Neymar back.

Football journalist Richard Buxton also thought it would be best for Coutinho to move on, though he cautioned against bringing Neymar back.

As Frieros noted, Neymar earns significantly more than Coutinho, and the Calatan club will also need to offer cash as well, so re-signing him will be a costly exercise from Barca's point of view.

On the other hand, after his disappointing 18 months with Barcelona, the club might otherwise find it difficult to offload Coutinho without incurring a significant loss on him.

Neymar scored 105 goals and assisted 76 for Barca in 186 appearances, and if he can produce a similar return in a second spell at the club, then that could justify such a move.

As for PSG, if they can help Coutinho regain his best form, he could mitigate Neymar's departure at the Parc des Princes.