Barcelona transfer news: Coutinho endorses Neymar signing, Griezmann rejects contract and more - 13th March 2018

Philippe Coutinho wants to see Neymar back at Barcelona

The former Liverpool no.10 plays with Neymar for the Brazilian national team and both of them have grown up playing together at the youth level. However, Neymar's record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the summer meant that by the time Coutinho joined the Blaugrana in this January, his countryman had already left Camp Nou.

Now, Coutinho was asked whether he would want to see Neymar back in the team, similar to what Ivan Rakitic was questioned a few days back, and the Barcelona no.10 said:

"I think like Rakitic. I hope he can come back. I have already played with him in the national team, it's a privilege. It would be very good for us. "

While one would naturally expect Coutinho to welcome a Neymar return, given their history, it would take crazy money to sign the PSG superstar, especially after less than a year.

Meanwhile, Coutinho also spoke about the new signing, Arthur, and said:

"He is a great player. I have played with him for the national team and he has a lot of quality and personality. He always shows it in his matches. Besides, outside the field, he is also a very good person ."

Thus, Coutinho looks to be gelling in well with his new surroundings and is slowly finding form at his new club.

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Antoine Griezmann rejects a new contract at Atletico

Final season with Atletico?

The Frenchman is all set to become a Barcelona player in the summer if Le10Sport is to be believed. The outlet claims that a deal has already been agreed for the 26-year old to join in the summer when his release clause becomes €100 million, a good price for a top player in the current market.

Further, the report states how Atletico have tried to extend Griezmann's contract, despite renewing it recently last summer. However, the forward rejected the club's advances, showcasing his desire to play for Ernesto Valverde's side.

Thus, Barcelona are slowly but surely gaining in their quest to land one of the best attackers in world football who is already well-versed with the demands of playing for a top team as well as has the tools required to succeed in Spanish football.

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Wilfried Ndidi set to stay at Leicester City

Ndidi is set to stay put at Leicester

The 21-year old has turned out to be a great find for the Foxes and has made the most tackles in the Premier League this season, highlighting his game awareness and defensive ability, playing in the defensive midfield role. Now, the Nigerian's representatives spoke about his links to Barcelona, as the player travelled with his team for warm-weather training in Marbella, Spain.

The representative squashed the rumours and told AllNigeriaSoccer.com:

''Ndidi is not leaving Leicester City, the interest from Barcelona is news to us, there has been no contact. They want to build the team around him. The management of Leicester City believe in him, they want to do everything possible to make the club bigger."

''They have won the Premier League before and want to win it again, that's why Riyad Mahrez was not sold in January.''

Thus, the Catalan outfit might not have contacted Ndidi but he is bound to attract a lot of attention in Europe this summer if he keeps up his current performances. Meanwhile, Valverde's side would definitely benefit from signing the holding midfielder as he would add energy and dynamism to the Barcelona midfield.