The Brazilian playmaker’s future at Anfield has been the source of constant rumours for much of the summer with the Blaugrana reportedly making an earlier bid for him.
Coutinho 6/4 to sign for Barcelona before 1st September
While originally thought to be a move to help retain the services of Neymar, the latter’s exit to PSG for €222m last week has turned a potential Coutinho signing into part of the Catalan club’s plan to replace the departed superstar.
Rumours have floated that Barcelona were close to a deal for the 25-year-old Coutinho and that representatives for the Liga side were on their way to Liverpool to finalise a deal.
However, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted multiple times over the summer the player is not for sale , and appears not to have been moved by Barcelona’s latest offer.
Dembele can be perfect Neymar replacement
Coutinho signed a new five-year deal during the 2016-17 season which does not include a release clause.
The Reds insist they do not need a face-to-face sit down to reiterate that Coutinho is not on the market , a stance they’ve already made abundantly clear.
Claims that the playmaker has prepared poorly in pre-season falls flat in the face of evidence to the contrary.
In addition to Coutinho, Barcelona have been linked to 20-year-old Borussia Dortmund attacker Ousmane Dembele, with the France international keen to join the Camp Nou outfit.
