Luis Suarez says Philippe Coutinho has ambition to join Barcelona

Luis Suarez says Philippe Coutinho is ambitious enough to want to move to Barcelona.

Suarez played with the Brazil international at Liverpool during the 2013/14 season and has spoken of his admiration for his former team-mate’s ability.

After failing to sign Coutinho last summer, Barcelona are thought to be planning a new effort to bring the Liverpool midfielder to the Nou Camp in the January transfer window.

Asked if Coutinho would want to sign for Barcelona, Suarez told Mundo Deportivo: "Obviously he must have because he’s a player who has ambition and any player would want to come to Barca.

"I know him as a person and as a player because I played with him, but everyone knows what Coutinho can contribute.

"He is a footballer, who today, plays at a very high level."

Coutinho missed six of Liverpool’s opening games of the Premier League season as speculation surrounding a possible transfer intensified.

The Catalan club failed with multiple offers for Coutinho despite the player wanting the move to happen and Suarez has praised the 25-year-old’s attitude since his return to the Liverpool side.

"He went through a difficult and very complicated moment but as a professional he continued to show how good a player he is and the personal quality he has," Suarez said.

"Despite trying to leave Liverpool he continued helping the team and working. He is demonstrating as a professional who has the ambition to take a step further."

(c) Sky News 2017: Luis Suarez says Philippe Coutinho has ambition to join Barcelona