Liverpool 'offered Philippe Coutinho to Real Madrid in Gareth Bale swap deal'

Liverpool attempted to sign Gareth Bale by offering Philippe Coutinho to Real Madrid in part exchange, according to a new book.

In PSG: Revelations of a Revolution, it is claimed that the Reds attempted to sign the Wales international by offering £70m plus Coutinho.

Real are said to have knocked back Liverpool's summer offer, paving the way for Coutinho to sign for Barcelona in January this year.

Bale has managed 12 goals and seven assists in 29 appearances for Los Blancos this season, but has struggled to hold down a regular spot in their first team.

The Welshman has been linked with a return to the Premier League on numerous occasions, with Chelsea and Manchester United touted as possible destinations.