Coutinho backs Neymar's Barcelona return

Ivan Rakitic talked up the possibility of PSG star Neymar wearing the Barcelona jersey again and Philippe Coutinho has followed suit.

Philippe Coutinho said it would be "awesome" to have Neymar back at Barcelona amid speculation over a possible return to Camp Nou.

Neymar only left Barca for French giants Paris Saint-Germain in August last year – the Brazil star becoming the world's most expensive player after his €222million release clause was activated.

However, the 26-year-old – who is recovering from a broken foot – has been linked with a sensational move to Spanish and European champions Real Madrid, while rumours of a return to Barca has now emerged.

Ivan Rakitic talked up the possibility of Neymar wearing the Barca jersey again following Saturday's 2-0 win over Malaga and Coutinho followed suit.

"I am thinking as Rakitic does, I would like to have here the best players and Neymar is one of them," said fellow Brazil international Coutinho, who arrived from Liverpool in January.

"I am playing alongside him with Brazil and it's a privilege. It would be awesome to have him back."

Neymar, who suffered a cracked metatarsal in PSG's 3-0 victory over Marseille last month, has scored 28 goals across all competitions this season.

Barca, meanwhile, are 11 points clear atop the LaLiga table after 28 matches.