Barcelona transfer talk is ‘complicated’, says Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho

The 25-year-old is believed to be one of Barcelona’s desired targets as the club prepare for life under new coach Ernesto Valverde.

Coutinho, who is currently on international duty with Brazil in Australia, recently put pen to paper in January – signing a five-year deal at Anfield to make him one of the club’s highest earners.

However, despite the contract extension, talk of a move to Barcelona has not died away, and Coutinho addressed the sitatiton when asked ahead of Brazil’s friendly against Australia on Tuesday.

"So my focus is on the present and the national team. My focus is here."

Could the prospect of playing behind Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar prove too tempting to turn down?

Coutinho would slot in perfectly into Barcelona’s midfield. He may struggle to start should he join this year, but he feels like a natural heir – with a tad more flair – to Andres Iniesta.

Replacing Iniesta, who it must be said is still firing at 33, is no mean feat, and Coutinho still has to put some yards in to be viewed in the same bracket, but there is no denying the playmaker’s potential.

It feels like one summer too soon for this move. Playing under Jurgen Klopp in the Champions League is enough to convince any player to stay, but should another title bid falter next season, we could well see the Brazilian donning the Blaugrana jersey in 2018.