Barcelona's apparent interest in Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho is one of football's worst kept secrets, with the Spanish giants tipped to be lining up a move for him at the end of the season.

For the past few months now the La Liga giants and the Brazil international have been making subtle glances at each other, while Neymar has even chimed in to express his own desire to see the former Inter Milan man join him at the Nou Camp.

During a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay last week, Coutinho was spotted talking with both Neymar and Luis Suarez after the final whistle, leaving Reds fans feeling resigned to the thought that his days on Merseyside could very well be numbered.

However, Liverpool aren't going to want to give him up so easily, and will either want a fee well above the asking price or a player in exchange.

And according to Spanish publication Don Balon, Barca may only be too happy to oblige by offering Jurgen Klopp a big name midfielder to help soften the blow.

The report states that Barcelona will offer up Croatian international Ivan Rakitic in the hope of convincing the Reds to part with the 24-year-old.

Rakitic has been a solid performer for Barca since joining from Sevilla back in 2014, but has fallen behind Andre Gomes in the pecking order this season, and may be open to the move himself if it means more regular playing time.

Which would surely be the case. Looking at Liverpool's midfield now, he would easily be one of the more talented names to operate in the engine room.

However, the report doesn't indicate how much money Barcelona will have to pump into the deal as it would almost certainly not be a straight swap.

In three seasons in Catalonia Rakitic has managed to hit 23 goals in 147 appearances and contributed towards to La Liga titles and a Champions League, amongst others.

Rakitic has been a success at Barcelona, but given that they are apparently so desperate to get their hands on Coutinho, he probably won't be missed too much.