Liverpool news and transfer rumours: Real Madrid enter race for Philippe Coutinho?

                                

Coutinho the Real deal?

Real Madrid are ready to do battle with Barcelona for Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho, according to Sport.

The Brazilian has been linked with Barca in recent weeks, with the Catalan giants said to be preparing a £30m bid in January.
The chance to link up with close friend Neymar at the Nou Camp is said to interest Coutinho but now Real are keeping tabs on the situation.

 

Pals: Coutinho and Neymar in action in 2009

Barca's spending capabilities could be hampered by the summer signings of Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal, who are yet to feature due to the club's transfer embargo.
That helps Real's case although Coutinho may well struggle to nail down a central starting role at the Bernabeu.