Neymar says he would like to play with Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho at Barcelona

The pair have previously played together at youth level for Brazil

Neymar and Philippe Coutinho played alongside each other regularly at international youth level (Getty Images)

Barcelona forward Neymar has said he would one day like to play at the same club as compatriot Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian was asked which of his countrymen he would most like to see join him at the Catalan club and answered, unequivocally, that he would most like to line-up alongside Liverpool's playmaker.

"I see many Brazilian players with quality today," Neymar told a publicity event for one of his sponsors. "One that I like and I think could play here is Coutinho. He has the style of Barcelona."

Following the departure of several big names over the last two years, many see now Coutinho as Liverpool's highest-profile player.

The Brazilian, who played alongside and built a friendship with Neymar at international youth level, has been in indifferent form so far this term but has still managed to conjure up moments of brilliance, not least his opening weekend strike against Stoke City.

Coutinho's red card in the 3-0 home defeat to West Ham United saw him suspended for Liverpool's away trip to play Manchester United and his absence was notable as Brendan Rodgers' side played out a drab, directionless performance at Old Trafford.

Two summers ago, Barcelona captured Luis Suarez, who was Liverpool's star player at the time. After losing Raheem Sterling and Steven Gerrard this summer, supporters of the Anfield club will be wary of any advance for their increasingly-important Brazilian playmaker.

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