Liverpool insist Philippe Coutinho has NOT asked for a transfer despite talks in London over £89m Barcelona deal
But Spanish giants won't be denied and are hopeful they can do business by including Ivan Rakitic in player-plus-cash bid
LIVERPOOL say midfielder Philippe Coutinho has not asked for a transfer.
Spanish radio reports that the Brazilian has asked to leave Anfield for Barcelona have been poo-pooed by the Reds.
Liverpool are unwilling to even look at offers for a player who earlier this year signed a long-term contract without a get-out clause.
In fact, according to Diario Sport the Merseysiders have slapped a £134million price-tag on Coutinho's head.
But Barca, having made loud noises about a reported bid of £89million, are hopeful they can seal a deal by including Ivan Rakitic in the transaction.
That would need some thinking about by Jurgen Klopp and co.
Croatian international Rakitic joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2014 and impressed in his first couple of years with the club.
He struggled a little last season, but still scored nine goals from 51 games and in March penned a new four-year deal.
On the international front the 29-year-old has scored 13 goals in 83 appearances.
Liverpool have no intention – or need – to sell 25-year-old Coutinho, with Klopp desperate to keep him at Anfield next season.
Coutinho is said to have held showdown talks with Klopp, telling the German he is desperate to leave.
Who is Philippe Coutinho?
- Born on June 12, 1992, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Joined Vasco de Gama aged sevenm but was signed by inter for €4m at just 16-years-old
- He stayed in Brazil for two years, making his debut as a teenager and helping the team to promotion in his second season
- Made his Inter debut in 2010 but struggled to break into the first team - loaned to Espanyol in January 2012, impressing with five goals in 16 matches
- After failing to establish himself in Italy, was sold to Liverpool for just £8.5m in January 2013
- Has since become one of Liverpool's best players, winning Fans player of the year twice and being named in the Premier League team of the year in 2015
- Made his Brazil debut in 2010 but became an established regular in 2015
Barcelona's sporting director Robert Fernandez and lawyer Andre Cury are understood to have held discussions with Coutinho's representatives in London prior to him linking up with the team in Washington.
The little Brazilian only signed a new five-year contract in January and the Reds are under no pressure to sell.
Last week Klopp said of Coutinho: “I’m not surprised that any clubs are interested in players at Liverpool.
“A few people obviously see that a Liverpool has a few good players.
“But its a very important message to make – we are not a selling club. That’s how it is.”
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