Barcelona star Lionel Messi has huge fears about signing Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho

Barcelona star Iniesta has been tipped to leave the club should they complete the signing of Liverpool playmaker Coutinho.

Reports have claimed the Spain international is worried about his game time with the World Cup in Russia looming large.

Iniesta is desperate to be part of Julen Lopetegui’s squad and fire his country to a second World Cup win in three attempts.

And Spanish outlet Diario Gol say Messi fears the La Liga giants may see Iniesta go if Coutinho comes in.

The Argentina international wants Barcelona to be firing on all cylinders.

But the departure of a figure as influential as Iniesta could have bad consequences at the Nou Camp.

The 33-year-old has seen and done it all during his time in Catalonia, winning 30 pieces of major silverware.

And Messi still thinks the stalwart has more to give - even if Barcelona do snap Coutinho up.

Diario Gol say the 30-year-old is aware of Iniesta’s concerns.

The midfielder was supposedly promised to be a regular when Ernesto Valverde replaced Luis Enrique back in the summer.

Yet Coutinho’s arrival could see him fall down the pecking order.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Guillem Balague say Liverpool can expect an offer from Barcelona ‘soon’.

“Things have changed. As you know in the summer Barcelona made three offers for Coutinho, and they are preparing another bigger one, 110m euros plus 40m euros add-on fees,” he said.

"They are preparing it, they haven't sent it yet to Liverpool. But I think everybody is under the impression that Liverpool have softened their stance, and are willing to listen.

"They haven't necessarily put a price on Coutinho, but they are thinking: 'How about if we sold him now?' Or, 'how about agreeing a departure in the summer'.

"All of the possibilities are on the table, but perhaps the most unlikely one is Coutinho renewing his Liverpool contract.

"That is different from Liverpool's stance in the summer. Liverpool cannot say anything yet because a new offer has not arrived, it is being prepared. It will arrive.

"Something that is not new is that Coutinho would like to leave now."