Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to go head to head for the signature of Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho after the European champions confirmed their interest in the Brazilian, according to a report from the Mirror.
Barcelona seemed like the only possible destination for Coutinho, but now Real Madrid have joined the hunt for his signature which could mean a bidding war between the two clubs.
Coutinho is thought to prefer a move to the Nou Camp and handed in a transfer request last summer but the Merseyside club remained strong and held on to their star man.
Barcelona made several approaches but the Premier League side would not budge on their statement that Coutinho was not for sale.
However, Real Madrid have now shown interest but would not like to make a move for him in January, rather they would prefer to wait for the summer.
This could encourage the Catalan club to make their move for Coutinho in January, so they can secure his services before their arch-rivals.
Liverpool will be asking for at least €150m to even consider letting the attacking midfielder leave.
Coutinho has also been subject to interest from Paris Saint Germain, but the two Spanish clubs are currently leading the race for his signature.
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