Andres Iniesta promises Philippe Coutinho he would be an ‘important reinforcement’ for Barcelona

ANDRES INIESTA has promised Philippe Coutinho he would be a key player for Barcelona as the Catalans up their pursuit.

The Barca legend spoke about the Liverpool ace and another target, Yerry Mina.

AFP: Barcelona have launched a series of raids for Philippe Coutinho

Barcelona are known to get their stars to praise potential signings before launching a swoop and Anfield chiefs will be expecting another raid.

Iniesta, 33, said: “I think they would be two important reinforcements to the squad.

“If the club wants to strengthen those positions, it should be with players that can be prepared to withstand the pressure of a club like this, and they would be two big signings.

“But nothing has happened, so it’s difficult.”

GETTY IMAGES: Philippe Coutinho could not inspire Liverpool to victory over West Brom

EPA: Jurgen Klopp controversially rested Coutinho in the Merseyside derby

Liverpool managed to cling on to Coutinho, 25, over the summer despite repeated advances.

But the Brazil playmaker appears destined to head for Spain at some point after Barca made him a No1 priority.

Colombia ace Mina, 23, has been tipped to replace ageing former Reds star Javier Mascherano, 33, as Barcelona look to build on a strong start.

They are currently top of La Liga and face Chelsea in the Champions League knock-out stages.

When the sides met in 2009 Iniesta’s last-minute strike sent his side to the final – where they beat Manchester United.

He added: “The first thing I thought was that it was a hard and complicated match against a very powerful team in every way.

“Some very nice memories, the best I’ve ever lived, came to mind.”