'I want him to come': Paulinho hopes Barcelona will sign Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho

Barcelona midfielder Paulinho has expressed his desire to see his compatriot Philippe Coutinho leave Liverpool for Catalonia in the coming months amid reports that the playmaker's agent met with Blaugrana officials to discuss terms of a potential transfer last week.

Ernesto Valverde's side have pursued Coutinho for what seems like an eternity and are set to reignite their chase for the former Inter Milan starlet with an offer in January. Recent reports claim that the Reds want a staggering €150m (£137.2m,$177.7m) for their prized attacker, who would stand to earn €12m-a-year if his desired move to Barcelona comes to fruition.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has handed Coutinho the captain's armband in recent matches but the added responsibility does not seem to have swayed the 25-year-old, who remained non-committal when quizzed about his future a couple of weeks ago.

A number of Barcelona players have publicly championed their side's move for Coutinho, and Paulinho, who has won over many naysayers after his £40m switch from Guangzhou Evergrande was met with widespread derision, continued the charm offensive.

"I've already talked a few times about the Coutinho question," Paulinho was quoted saying by the Mirror.

"Everyone expects the great players to come to Barcelona, ​​we have a very strong group of great players, without Coutinho people are doing a great job.

"On Coutinho it is not necessary to say much; he is a great player, who has been making a difference in his team, in the Brazilian team, he is young but with experience in Europe.

"I want him to come, I think it would be a great signing for Barça. It would be a great happiness for me, because we would have another great player and another Brazilian."

Liverpool will not want Paulinho's wish to be granted next month, but Fenway Sports Group are reportedly willing to let Coutinho leave if Barcelona cough up €150m, which they are prepared to do.

Klopp has told of his frustration regarding questions over Coutinho and he may have to contend with the loss of the Brazilian in January, but for now the German's primary focus is on Liverpool's visit to Arsenal, who are looking to leapfrog the Reds and regain a place in the top four.