5 reasons why Barcelona want Philippe Coutinho in January instead of the summer

#3 Coutinho's arrival will keep Iniesta fresh for Champions League

Nearing 34, Andres Iniesta can no longer play 90 minutes

The only issue for an otherwise ideal transfer for Barcelona is that Coutinho will be cup-tied for the Champions League having already played for Liverpool in the competition. However, this is a factor that does not seem to worry the Brazilian who is desperate to make the move.

The 24-year-old is being mooted as the heir to Andres Iniesta at the Camp Nou and, while he has a long way to fill in those shoes, the idea is that he will take over the role with Iniesta turning 34 in May.

The veteran Spaniard is clearly on the decline and cannot sustain himself over 90 minutes anymore. The only time he has lasted a full game this season was back in October when he scored in Barcelona's 2-0 win over Malaga who are at the bottom of the table.

Iniesta is normally withdrawn around the hour-mark but that is not the case in the Champions League where he averages 80 minutes. Ernesto Valverde clearly relishes the midfielder's control of the game in the continental competition and keeps him on for longer in Europe.

With Coutinho's arrival, that gives Valverde the opportunity to rest Iniesta before a big Champions League encounter so he can play at his optimum level - especially after old rivals Chelsea were drawn with Barca in the Round of 16.