The camaraderie within the Barcelona first-team camp could become strained further after two of the club's superstars reportedly disagreed over the possible signing of Philippe Coutinho.
Lionel Messi and Neymar are believed to hold differing opinions over La Blaugrana's pursuit of the Liverpool star, according to Diario Gol, with the former fearful that the arrival of Coutinho would increase Neymar's influence at the Nou Camp.
The report states that Barcelona remain interested in bringing Coutinho to Catalunya, despite the playmaker's abject form since he returned from a two month lay off with an ankle injury, and Barca are said to be preparing a bid for the 24-year-old when the season comes to an end.
Coutinho's potential arrival would certainly give Neymar's standing with Barca's hierarchy a boost, and the Brazil pair's friendship on and off the field would definitely give the club a new dynamic edge.
Messi, however, reportedly has concerns over Coutinho's arrival. The Barca captain is believed to hold the opinion that the ex-Inter Milan ace's arrival would diminish his own say behind closed doors, and in turn boost Neymar's standing within the corridors of power at the club.
Messi has long been rumoured to hold significant sway within the Barca camp, with reports this season hinting that manager Luis Enrique's successor would need to be approved by the forward before any deal could be finalised.
Marca : "After Barcelona's come back against PSG , Neymar deserves to be nominated to win the Ballon d'Or this year " @neymarjr pic.twitter.com/brJ4fJcFq0
The Argentina international's contract, too, is due to expire in under 18 months' time and, with Manchester City consistently being linked with a swoop for Messi, Barca's board may have to decide whether to gamble on bringing Coutinho in and upsetting Messi, or bowing to their superstar's demands to renege on plans to plot a move for the Liverpool maestro.
Coutinho only recently penned an improved contract to remain on Merseyside until the summer of 2022, and Jurgen Klopp would certainly be loathe to lose one of his key men.
Naturally, reports such as this should be taken with a huge pinch of salt, given that Neymar and Messi are close friends themselves, and it would likely be a mountain out of a molehill-esque situation if Coutinto's arrival put the duo at loggerheads with one another.
Read more from Tom Power by following him on Twitter!