Barcelona are set to have a busy final month of the transfer window after selling Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Catalan giants are now armed with a warchest worth in the region of £200million – leading to talk they could be about to land a marquee name.
While the Neymar saga has been going on, Barcelona have been pressing ahead with plans to sign Liverpool star Coutinho.
The Brazil international is the top target among the club’s hierarchy, having been identified as Andres Iniesta’s long-term successor.
But Spanish outlet Don Balon say he is not actually Ernesto Valverde’s No1 choice.
Instead, he thinks Guangzhou Evergrande ace Paulinho would be a better fit.
The midfielder struggled in England during his time at Tottenham but has since rebuilt his reputation in the Far East.
Valverde supposedly feels he would be a more solid option, with Coutinho a glamour purchase.
Barcelona may even prioritise Paulinho on Valverde’s orders in a major boost for Liverpool.
The Reds have repeatedly insisted Coutinho will not be leaving Merseyside and Jurgen Klopp may get his wish.
