According to reports, Lionel Messi has backed Barcelona to make a £97 million bid for Philippe Coutinho during the January transfer window.
The Catalan giants attempted to sign the Brazilian during the summer transfer window and made three bids, all of which were rejected by the Reds.
Coutinho even handed in a transfer request to try and force through a move but it was not granted. Messi has reportedly demanded that the team strengthen their attack during the January transfer window and has backed the club to make a move on Coutinho.
However Spanish source Don Balon say that Coutinho could possibly have doubts about moving to Spain. The source states that Coutinho wishes to see how Barcelona’s situation may change if Catalonia ends up splitting from Spain.
Recent reports have confirmed that Barcelona could even consider leaving La Liga should the split take place.
