Lionel Messi and Neymar in alleged ‘rift’ over Barcelona signing Philippe Coutinho as Argentina international ‘fearful’ over Brazilian’s Nou Camp influence
LIONEL MESSI and Neymar are allegedly at loggerheads over Barcelona’s pursuit of Philippe Coutinho.
The Liverpool striker is reportedly the Catalan giants’ top target and Messi is said to be worried about the influence of Neymar in the Nou Camp boardroom.
Lionel Messi and Neymar are reportedly not seeing eye-to-eye over a possible move for Philippe CoutinhoAP:Associated Press
According to Diario Gol, the working relationship between the pair could become strained if Coutinho arrives.
Keep up to date with ALL the BARCELONA news, gossip and transfers on our club page
If Coutinho does follow Luis Suarez and switch Anfield for the Nou Camp, it would give Neymar a bigger standing with the Barcelona hierarchy.
Coutinho and Neymar are big pals and always have a laugh together when they are on international duty with Brazil.
Philippe Coutinho has been in fine form for Liverpool under Jurgen KloppReutersLionel Messi was on the losing side as Barcelona lost to Deportivo and were leapfrogged at the top of La Liga by Real MadridGetty Images
But Messi is reportedly concerned about his own say in the club’s transfer policy as the club’s vice-captain and highest-paid player.
With Neymar and Suarez now sharing the attacking burden for Barca, it seems that the strain has been taken off Messi to provide the majority of attacking edge – not that that stops him.
The 29-year-old has netted 39 times this season and is on track to beat the 49 he grabbed last term.
MOST READ IN SPORT
AN OFFER HE CAN'T REFUSE
Legendary WWE icon CM Punk offered staggering $1m to make a one-off return to the ring
AND HE'S WON IT
Ander Herrera bags player of the year award at Man United's lavish end of season bash hosted by Rachel Riley
'NOT A COACH'
Tony Adams: Arsene Wenger couldn't coach his way out of a paper bag... and Arsenal blocked me returning FOUR times
'I'LL DO IT RIGHT NOW'
WWE star Dean Ambrose wants cross-code fight in the UFC if he is paid $500,000
FAB DAY OUT
Amazing trio of Wags step out for launch of designer shoe shop... but who are their famous partners?
'i felt embarrassed for the club'
Arsenal legend Tony Adams on his shock at 'disrespectful' final contract offer
'do something about your wife'
Sexy footie WAG in hot water after posing bizarre picture of herself on the LOO
JUDGMENT DAY
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke 'set to jet into London' to discuss Arsene Wenger's future
Two Games left lads!
Chelsea stars given midweek break by Antonio Conte after title heroics... but they've still got the FA Cup final to go
dive bar
Premier League divers will be BANNED by the FA from next season after chiefs vote in support of rule shake-up
Blues in Aub-it
Chelsea want Borussia Dortmund's 37-goal hero Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to replace Diego Costa
power serg
Sergio Romero set to be Man Utd number one next season if David De Gea moves to Real Madrid
Feeling Bleus
Didier Deschamps blasts Martial's confidence as he snubs winger for France's clash with England
LONDON CALLING
Crystal Palace eye double raid for Man City's out-of contract full-backs Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy
UNITED FRONT
Fergie tapped me up twice but I turned Manchester United down because I was Arsenal through and through, says Tony Adams
SIX OF THE BEST
Leicester 1 Tottenham 6: Harry Kane hits four to become leading scorer in Premier League as Spurs rout Foxes at King Power Stadium
WRIGHT'S RULES
Tony Adams: Arsene Wenger changed time of training to suit Ian Wright because he hated confrontation
Dier Straits
Tottenham shaken as Eric Dier wants to leave along with Kyle Walker and Danny Rose... as both Manchester clubs prepare to swoop for Spurs stars
JOURNEY SOUTH
Bournemouth ready to offer Jermain Defoe a staggering £18million to land him from Sunderland
United offered Silva platter
Man United target and Monaco's £70m ace Bernardo Silva issues come-get-me plea
Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta is undoubtedly a fading force as he reaches his mid 30sReuters
Yet Andres Iniesta, 32, is undoubtedly a fading force and was taken off an hour into their win over PSG, before the rest of the comeback kicked in.
Another subplot to the Messi saga is that his contract expires in 18 months’ time and by then he might decide it is time for him to move on from the club where he has become a titanic figure.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has constantly been linked with a reunion with Messi, who may fancy a tilt at the Premier League before he becomes too old to thrive in the hustle-bustle of English football.
Leave a comment