Real Madrid ready to battle Barcelona for Liverpool sensation

Real Madrid are ready to compete with rivals Barcelona in the race to sign Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, reports Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo. 

Barcelona pressed hard to sign Coutinho over the summer, but the Reds dug their heels in and successfully staved off interest from the La Liga giants, who saw a number of bids for the Brazilian rejected. 

The Blaugrana are widely expected to return for Coutinho again when the transfer window re-opens in the New Year, though it remains to be seen whether Liverpool would entertain bids for the 25-year-old. 

However, Barcelona may not have a clear run at the Liverpool attacker, with Real Madrid supposedly considering a move for the former Inter man. 

The European champions fell to a 3-1 loss to Tottenham in midweek and having lost to Girona last weekend, changes are expected at the Bernabeu sooner rather than later. 

Coutinho has been in flying form for the Reds following his return to the side after injury, providing seven goals in his last six outings, though he will miss Liverpool’s trip to West Ham today.