Barcelona believe they are edging towards capturing their number one target Philippe Coutinho.

Liverpool fought off bids from Barca in the summer, which prompted Coutinho to hand in a transfer request – which was rejected.

As we revealed earlier this year, Liverpool’s hierarchy told Jurgen Klopp that the final decision would rest with him, and it now remains to be seen if he will sanction the move this month,

Sources in Spain are making it clear that Barca believe a deal nearing £150million will be concluded in January.

Football INDEX Watch – PHILIPPE COUTINHO– Just under £5 and in the top-ten of the Index

Coutinho has made it clear to Liverpool that he wants to move and his representatives are also expecting the deal to progress.

Some Bookmakers have cancelled their markets on Coutinho joining Barca, such has been the interest.

Leading bookmaker Coral has suspended betting as the Brazilian was as short as 1-4 to move to the Spanish giants.

“This latest gamble looks to suggest Barcelona are just waiting for the ink to dry on the contract before announcing their deal to sign Coutinho,” said Coral’s John Hill.

“We saw a flurry of bets at an alarming rate which forced us to pull the plug on the market,” added Hill.