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Barca 'discreet' in Coutinho chase

Cape Town - Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu admits discretion is the order of the day in their pursuit of Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho.

New Barca head coach Ernesto Valverde is a firm admirer of the Brazil international, who was the driving force behind the Merseysiders' fourth-placed finish in the Premier League last term.

Coutinho delivered his best season in a Reds shirt as he scored 13 goals and provided seven assists in 31 top-flight appearances to help Jurgen Klopp's side qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

The English giants are understandably reluctant to part ways with their prized asset amid persistent rumours of a move to the Camp Nou, but Bartomeu was himself hesitant to comment on a potential transfer.

"Coutinho? He's a great player, but we can't say anything. You have to be discreet," he told reporters in the United States ahead of the Blaugrana's International Champions Cup clash with arch-rivals Real Madrid.

"[Ernesto] Valverde wants a competitive team that understand his needs very well. More players will come, certainly one in the middle."

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