Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has told his front office that Mesut Ozil would prove a better January signing than Philippe Coutinho.

Valverde is keen to see at least two signings added over the winter market as his team chases a LaLiga and Champions League Double.

Don Balon says Valverde has discussed their transfer strategy with Barca directors, including Pep Segura, Robert Fernandez and Oscar Grau. While he rates Liverpool star Coutinho highly, the coach believes his €150m price-tag is simply too steep.

With Arsenal seeking €20m to sell Ozil, Valverde sees signing the German as a better use of their money.

Such a deal would also make available cash resources to allow Barca to move for another Valverde target - Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez.

Valverde has argued that signing the pair would cost less than €55m - with Inigo's buyout clause set at €32m.