Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho was offered to Real Madrid before Barcelona - report
LIVERPOOL star Philippe Coutinho was offered to Real Madrid before Barcelona reignited their interest, according to reports in Spain.
Philippe Coutinho scores a screamer against Leicester
Liverpool star Coutinho is wanted by Barcelona, who are willing to pay a huge £80million to get the deal done.
Express Sport understands the Reds face a real struggle to retain their star asset - despite securing Champions League football for the forthcoming season.
Radio Catalunya claimed last night that Coutinho had agreed personal terms with Barcelona about a switch to the Nou Camp.
Barcelona have proved they have a unique pulling power in the past when they signed Luis Suarez despite him being Liverpool's star player.
Real Madrid were offered the chance to sign Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho
However, Spanish outlet Diario Gol claim Coutinho could have joined Real had the player's agent got his way.
It is claimed Kia Joorabchian offered Madrid the chance to sign him - before Barcelona.
Coutinho has supposedly long dreamed of wearing Los Blancos' colours but Real were put off by the £70m Liverpool were first demanding.
They supposedly thought he could never be a marquee name and are now amused that Barcelona are ready to make him one of their most expensive players of all time.
Liverpool star and Barcelona target Philippe Coutinho was offered to Real Madrid
Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez is amused by Barcelona's pursuit of Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho
Club legend Ronaldo, speaking back in October, said the would be the perfect fit for Zinedine Zidane's side.
"I would love to see Coutinho at Real Madrid," Ronaldo told Spanish radio station Onda Cero.
"Spanish football is, without doubt, the best in history. It has always bought the best [players] and produced the most beautiful football."
Coutinho has been at Liverpool since arriving in January 2013, though is yet to win a trophy during his time at Anfield.
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?