Liverpool ask for Ivan Rakitic in Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona deal?

Liverpool may reportedly be interested in selling Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona if Ivan Rakitic heads the opposite way as part of the deal.

The Reds are said to be close to admitting defeat in their attempt to keep the Brazilian playmaker at Anfield after he supposedly handed in a transfer request.

Spanish outlet Diario Gol suggests that Liverpool are hoping to at least bring in a replacement for Coutinho, with Croatia international Rakitic the man they want to take over in midfield.

It is claimed that the 29-year-old, who featured 32 times in La Liga last season, is touched by the Merseyside outfit's interest.

Barca have already made a couple of bids for Coutinho, seeing their latest £90m offer fall short of the Reds' valuation.