Liverpool slap £137m price tag on Philippe Coutinho's head

Liverpool have reportedly informed Barcelona that they would have to cough up a sum of around £137m in order to prise away Philippe Coutinho from Anfield this summer.

The Brazil international had submitted a transfer request earlier this week after knowing of Barcelona's improved offer of £90m plus add-ons for his services.

However, the Reds were quick to dismiss the midfielder's request which was sent to the club's hierarchy through email rather than moving through his representative.

According to The Record, the Merseyside giants slapped a £137m price tag on Coutinho's head when Barcelona made their initial approach earlier this month.

Coutinho is seen as the ideal replacement for close friend Neymar who left for Paris Saint-Germain on a world-record deal £198m deal earlier this month.

The former Inter Milan ace has already finalised terms with the Catalan giants, and he could yet realise his move despite FSG's statement that he is not for sale.

The Brazilian missed Liverpool's 3-3 draw against Watford in the Premier League opener due to a back injury sustained during the Audi Cup.