The stumbling block in Coutinho's move to Barcelona
Barcelona are determined to swoop in for Philippe Coutinho in January, but there is a downside to the Brazilian's arrival at the Camp Nou.
A staggering fee in the region of €150 million will be put on the table by the Catalan giants in a bold attempt to persuade Liverpool into selling the 25-year-old.
Quite a hefty figure for a footballer who will not be elegible to play for Barcelona in the Champions League after featuring in the competition with Liverpool. The Catalans face Chelsea in the last 16, and they would do so without the Brazilian if he finally departs the Premier League.
In fact, Coutinho has excelled so far in the continental competition, banging in a hat-trick against Spartak Moscow to take his tally up to five goals in five appearances.
Ernesto Valverde is open to recruitments in the winter transfer window, but the Reds star would be unable to help Barcelona against Chelsea or in future Champions League ties in case of qualification.
Liverpool seem open to negotiate and Jurgen Klopp has begun to accept Coutinho's exit. Barcelona would pay big money for a player they already tried to sign in the summer.
Other alternatives have been considered at the Camp Nou but Coutinho is the versatile player that could help La Liga leaders both on the flanks and as an attacking midfielder. Not in the Champions League, though.