In recent footballing history, it has often been Real Madrid associated with completing ridiculously expensive transfers.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Kaka and James Rodriguez all arrived at the Bernabeu for enormous sums, but in the last couple of years, Barcelona have stolen the initiative from their domestic rivals.

Neymar joined for a huge price and then left for an even bigger one, with Ousmane Dembele arriving in his place for a cool £135m.

Now, the Blaugrana are on the war path to complete a deal for Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho, with the proposed fee for any deal to be completed around the £150m mark.

They are also keen on splashing out £89m for Antoine Griezmann in the summer and don't forget that Luis Suarez cost them £75m back in 2014.

And, pursuing Coutinho and Griezmann is not the end of their transfer ambition, with Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo reporting that the Blaugrana could complete another stunning deal for a truly world-class midfielder.

Bayern Munich's Thiago Alcantara - formerly of Barca - is who they want, with the elegant Spaniard said to be unhappy with life under Jump Heynckes.

The brother of Rafinha thrived under both Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, establishing himself as one of the top midfielders in world football.

Apparently, the relationship between the two parties is as healthy as ever, with Robert Fernandez, Barca's sporting director, visiting Thiago when France played Spain in Paris, with the two having a long conversation.

However, given the fact that Thiago signed a new contract until 2021 back in April, he would likely cost an enormous fee.

Also, his potential arrival, as well as Coutinho, would likely prove devastating to Barca legend Andres Iniesta, who recently agreed a 'lifetime contract' with the club.

The ageing Spaniard is still one of the finest in the business and signing two players to compete with him for his place in the squad will certainly not go down to well.