Alfredo Martínez (who is generally reliable) is reporting that the Barca Board made a promise to Messi that they would sign Coutinho. Maybe it was an agreement on his contract renewal?
I understand that these reports are usually BS, but it might explain why we are trying to sign him so quickly. I usually wouldn't expect Barto and co to be this urgent, especially in the winter transfer market and our huge lead in La Liga.
Seems out of character. Usually they come out with the same BS every winter window "We have a very good team and it is proven with our position in the league, no signings will be made" or something like that.