Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona: '£22m Liverpool star wants Champions League football' with Real Madrid also interested

Report in Spain says Coutinho wants Champions League football

Philippe Coutinho dejectedly walks off after being shown a red card (Getty Images)

Barcelona and Real Madrid are chasing Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, according to a report in Spain.

In a lengthy report from Diario Sport, the Spanish paper claims that Barcelona attempted to sound out Coutinho's availablity while they were in talks over Adama Traore, who subsequently went to Aston Villa, but the Reds point blank refused to discuss his availability.

Barca are said to be extremely keen on the playmaker and Coutinho wants to play in the Champions League, according to the report, with Barcelona looking at a fee of €30million (£22.18m) - that fee would likely be way below Liverpool's valuation of the Brazilian.

Sport state that Barcelona have spoken to some of Coutinho's representatives and he is 'more than willing' to wear the Barcelona shirt. Neymar has already stated publicly that he would like to see Coutinho at the Nou Camp, while the club sent scouts to several matches last season to watch his development.

"I see many Brazilian players with quality today. But one I like and think could play here is Coutinho. He has the style of Barcelona," said Neymar during the last international break.

But Coutinho responded: "I have not seen the statements. I am very fond of Neymar, but it is not the time to talk about this. I am very focused on having a good season at Liverpool and that's just what interests me now."

Real Madrid are also interested, with Los Blancos almost making a move of their own for him over the summer.