Philippe Coutinho breaks silence over Barcelona link

Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho has revealed that he was eager to join Barcelona in the summer but insists that he is now committed to the Reds' cause for the season.

The Brazil international had been the subject of multiple bids from the Catalan giants last month, but the Reds remained firm on their stance of not selling their attacker.

Coutinho made his first start of the season in the 1-1 league draw against Burnley, and the following the game, and he revealed his intention to have a good season for both club and country.

He told ESPN Brasil: "I was interested by the offer but now my focus is on having a good season with Liverpool and with the national team."

Liverpool face a double-header away against Leicester City in the next two games in the League Cup and Premier League, and Coutinho may feature in both games as the Reds seek to end their recent winless streak.

Jurgen Klopp's side are currently placed eighth in the league standings with eight points, five adrift of joint leaders Manchester City and Manchester United.