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Liverpool demand strange Barcelona swap deal for Philippe Coutinho - report
LIVERPOOL want Rafinha included in the deal for Philippe Coutinho, according to reports in Spain.
Oxlade-Chamberlain defends Coutinho amid Barcelona interest
Liverpool are nearing an agreement with Barcelona for the sale of Philippe Coutinho.
Sportswear giants Nike appeared to confirm the deal was done this weekend after they offered Barca’s 2017/18 kit for sale with his name on the back.
The Bookies have also suspended betting on the Brazil international making the move to the Nou Camp in the New Year.
However, Spanish outlet Don Balon claim the deal will not be finalised until a swap deal for Rafinha is agreed.
Jurgen Klopp reportedly wants Rafinha included in the deal for Philippe Coutinho
Rafinha has been an outcast at Barcelona in recent seasons
Jurgen Klopp: Captaincy didn’t disturb Philippe Coutinho
The report says Jurgen Klopp wants the 24-year-old included in the deal because he sees him as a suitable replacement for Coutinho.
Despite not featuring much for Barca in recent seasons, the Reds boss still rates him.
Don Balon say including him in a swap deal would avoid the Anfield club paying an inflated transfer fee in January.
Rafinha is the brother of Bayern Munich star Thiago and the pair both came through Barca’s academy.
The midfielder has not made a single appearance for the Catalan side this season and has reportedly been earmarked to leave by Ernesto Valverde.
He is under contract at the Nou Camp until June 2020.
Since making his debut for the Barca senior side in 2011, Rafinha has turned out just 78 times and has scored 11 goals in all competitions.
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