With the New Year on the horizon, the footballing world will soon turn it's attention to the January transfer window.After half a season of entertainment across Europe's top five leagues, a number of sides will be determined to give themselves a boost going in to the business end of the campaign.Liverpool are the ones making all the headlines right now and it is because of two players; Virgil van Dijk and Philippe Coutinho.The former was announced as a Reds player on Wednesday evening after a £75m fee was agreed with Southampton, while the latter is still heavily involved in a tug-of-war between Liverpool and Barcelona.Fees exceeding £100m for the diminutive Brazilian have been touted by a lot of publications and it is known that Coutinho is keen on a move to Catalonia, particularly after handing in a formal transfer request this summer.However, few people have spoke of what could go wrong if he were to make the move to Ernesto Valverde's side. Well, someone now has. Step forward, Brazilian legend, Zico.The Selecao icon has stated that he believes Coutinho should avoid the move for the time being as he would be playing second fiddle to the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta.

TWEET: ZICO SPEAKING SENSE

It is a hugely valid point, one that has simply not been raised enough during this transfer saga.

Football fans on Twitter picked up on Zico's point and were adamant that the former playmaker is dead right about his countryman.

FOOTBALL FANS REACT

However, one current Brazilian player is adamant that a switch to Barca would be hugely beneficial to Coutinho's career.

Paulinho - who signed for the Blaugrana in the summer - has pretty much contradicted Zico while speaking to Mundo Deportivo.

PAULINHO ON COUTINHO'S SITUATION

He said: “If he comes, he will not regret it.

"I have advised Coutinho to stay calm. He can feel frustrated at not having been able to come this summer.

"I lived the same thing when I was in China. Be patient.

“He’s a very fast, agile player, with a technique that gives a lot of options for those of us who play in the middle of the plark.

"He looks for spaces to get to goal.”