Jurgen Klopp demands Rafinha in Barcelona’s deal for Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool are interested in a deal for Barcelona midfielder Rafinha as the Spanish club continue to pursue Philippe Coutinho, according to reports in Spain.

Coutinho wants to join Barcelona this summer. (AP Photo)

Mundo Deportivo claims that Jurgen Klopp is aware that he will struggle to keep the Brazil international at Anfield, and the midfielder has already told the Liverpool manager that he wants a move to Camp Nou this summer.

The report claims that Klopp is keen on a deal for Rafinha and has asked Liverpool’s sporting director Michael Edwards to ensure that the club stays ahead of their rivals in the race for the 24-year-old.

Rafinha is wanted by Jurgen Klopp. (AFP/Getty Images)

Even before Barcelona had stepped up their efforts to sign Coutinho, Klopp was interested in Rafinha and Liverpool were prepared to offer between €30 million and €40m (£27m – £36m).

Rafinha would be open to a move to Anfield as he wants to make Brazil’s squad for next year’s World Cup and competition for places at Barcelona means that he is unlikely to get enough playing time to impress.

Liverpool want the deals for Coutinho and Rafinha to be treated separately but Barca could use their interest in the Brazilian to lower Coutinho’s asking price.

Klopp is demanding €120m (£107m) for the 25-year-old, which is well in excess of the €80m (£71.5m) Barcelona have bid so far.

The Liverpool manager is also reportedly unhappy that a meeting took place in London between Barcelona’s three representatives Raül Sanllehi, Robert Fernandez and Andre Cury, and Coutinho’s agents.

Metro