BARCELONA are ready to use Ivan Rakitic as bait for Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho, according to reports.
The Brazilian has been linked with a move to the La Liga giants in recent weeks as the club prepare to bolster their attack in the
summer transfer window.
And Don Balon are now reporting that they could use their Croatian star plus a hefty fee
to try and secure a deal.
Barca know the Reds will be desperate to keep Coutinho, 24, but hope Rakitic will help
force their hand.
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Stop s Rakitic, 28, has fallen out of favour at the Nou Camp in recent weeks and the club will
not stop him if he wants to leave.
But a deal will also depend on what Barca’s new boss wants after they take over from Luis Enrique at the end of the season.
Enrique is leaving in the summer after the pressure of managing Barca became too much.
Coutinho has scored seven goals and provided seven assists in 27 appearances for Liverpool this term.
Reports on Saturday suggested Barca have already spoken with the player’s entourage
and Coutinho is willing to leave Liverpool.
Coutinho’s fellow Brazilian Neymar has already been talking up a move for the Liverpool star.
Neymar said: “I believe Philippe Coutinho is a player that would totally fit in Barcelona.”
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