Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman is determined to win his battle with the board over their next midfield signing.

Barca directors wish to bring Thiago Alcantara back from Bayern Munich this month, however Koeman has been insisting on Liverpool's Holland international Gini Wijnaldum.

Barca have opened talks with Thiago's minders about returning to his formative club. But Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano insists such a move is a non-starter.

Koeman is demanding Wijnaldum be signed and refusing to compromise.

Inside the final year of his deal, Wijnaldum can leave Liverpool for £15m in the coming weeks.

Koeman views the 29 year-old as an ideal replacement for Ivan Rakitic, after his move to Sevilla.