Barcelona have cooled their interest in Philippe Coutinho and are looking for alternatives, according to respected La Liga journalist Guillem Balague.

The Liverpool midfielder has been on the Catalans’ radar all summer, with the Blaugrana stepping up their interest following Neymar’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain for a world-record fee.

Reports emerged in midweek suggesting that Coutinho was to be unveiled as a Barca player this Friday, but Balague dismissed the rumours as a “search for media clicks” by outlets not linked to the club.

Balague posted on his Twitter feed: “Liverpool rejected second offer of Barcelona of €85m plus €15m adds on within 35 minutes of getting it.

“They plan to reject the next one too. They do not want to sell. FCB admit they might return but they also looking for alternatives.

“FCB always knew it’s a long saga and the search for media clicks (not the club) is what brought about false stories of imminent transfer.”

Ousmane Dembele of Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea talisman Eden Hazard have also been linked as potential replacements for Neymar at the Camp Nou.
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