Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona? Liverpool star still priority target for Ernesto Valverde's side in January

Barcelona have reportedly made signing Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho a priority in the January transfer window.

The Brazil international was heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou. The Catalan club's multiple approaches were turned down by the Reds, despite the player handing in a transfer request to leave Anfield.

Liverpool were adamant in not letting their star player leave the club and were successful in retaining Coutinho. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona still remain interested in signing the former Inter Milan man.

There are two factors that are in Barcelona's favour, which has given them an advantage in signing the Reds No 10 after the end of the calendar year. The La Liga leaders have already agreed a five-year deal with him in the summer. The same deal is also valid in the winter transfer window.

Barcelona's league rivals Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also believed to be interested in Liverpool star. However, the player and his representative have not changed the pact, despite the interest from other clubs.

The second factor is Coutinho has a deal with Liverpool to lower his asking price from €200m (£174.3m, $234.8m) to €145m (£126.4m, $170.3m) in January. The South American playmaker was not keen on returning to Anfield after his deal collapsed in the summer.

Sport claims Coutinho is demanding €14m-a-year (£12.2m, $16.4m) in wages at Barcelona, which is equivalent to €269,000-a-week (£237,000-a-week). It should be seen whether the Spanish giants will be able to meet his demands.

Coutinho signed a five-year deal at the start of 2017 at Liverpool, but refused to commit his long-term future to Jurgen Klopp's side after confirming interest from Ernesto Valverde's side in the summer.

"I am at Liverpool and I always do my best when I have the opportunity to play, respecting the jersey and the supporters," Coutinho explained, as quoted by Sky Sports.

"I do not know how the future is going to be. What will happen in January, we will know it in January. I do not know if there will be an offer.

"Last summer there was a job offer in the same way that happens with any employee and I was interested in it. Since I stayed I have played with will and desire.

"Of course a lot happened in the summer but my will is always to play and do the best wherever I am - that has not changed. I am here (at Liverpool), we have a lot of games and I try to do my best to help."