The video will start in 8 Cancel

Use your head like Sadio and subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Given Liverpool were never going to sell Philippe Coutinho this summer, it would be fair to surmise owners FSG were the biggest roadblock in Barcelona's pursuit of the Brazilian.

Reports in Spain, however, suggest something completely different.

Don Balon has claimed it was, in fact, Lionel Messi who scuppered any hopes of a deal to take Coutinho to Camp Nou.

Because he refused to see Ivan Rakitic or Sergi Roberto move the other way.

The report claims the Argentine was not happy with the suggestion either could be used as a makeweight in any potential deal, although it does add departures to Arda Turan, Andre Gomes or Paco Alcacer would have been acceptable to the club's biggest star.

Given the Reds were not minded to do business, it feels as if Messi's supposed stand was a futile one anyway.

Elsewhere, reports in Spain claim Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic has agreed to join Liverpool.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

The Croatian is often linked to a Merseyside move with no substance to it, and he's back in the headlines courtesy of Diario Gol.

They claim Kovacic has spoken to Liverpool about the possibility of joining and would be happy to join.

However, the fact Coutinho is set to stay at Anfield could put a blocker on the deal.