Barcelona to sweeten the deal for Liverpool star Coutinho

Barcelona are prepared to include Ivan Rakitic in any possible deal for Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho this summer, reports Don Balon via the Liverpool Echo. 

The Brazil international is a long term target for the Spanish giants and they are expected to firm up their rumoured interest in the 24-year-old once the transfer window opens. 

Liverpool are loath to losing Coutinho in the summer as Jurgen Klopp assembles a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League. 

However, Barcelona would not only put together an appealing financial package, but are supposedly prepared to include Rakitic in any potential deal for Coutinho. 

The Croatia international is committed to Barcelona, but was linked with a move to Manchester City in January. 

The 28-year-old has started just 17 of 28 La Liga games for the Blaugrana this season, though, leading to reports that he could be on his way out of the club at the end of the season. 

While Liverpool want to keep Coutinho, they could be willing to negotiate his possible sale provided they can sign Rakitic in return.

For more stats on Ivan Rakitic, click here to view his WhoScored player page