Jurgen Klopp continues to insist that Liverpool will not sell Philippe Coutinho this summer, despite mounting speculation of an improved bid from Barcelona.
Neymar looks almost certain to quit the Camp Nou for Paris Saint Germain in the coming days, and Ernesto Valverde has identified Coutinho as the ideal man to replace the forward. An offer of around £72million has already been rejected by the Reds, who expect a second offer to be tabled.
However, Klopp has maintained that he will not sell the 25-year-old, and when asked about Barca’s interest in the former Inter Milan star, the German said: “If you say he is not available to be sold, where is the interpretation? The word ‘not’ means there is no interpretation. There is nothing new.”
Coutinho only signed a new five-year contract at Anfield in January, and this deal does not contain a release clause. So it is clear that Liverpool hold all the cards, but this could be complicated if the Brazilian playmaker lets it be known that he wants to make the move to the Spanish giants.
Klopp, meanwhile, stated earlier this month that striker Daniel Sturridge is in the best condition he has seen him in during his time at the club. And the return of the England international is certainly exciting Adam Lallana, who feels the 27-year-old could play a huge role for the Reds this season.
“He has been absolutely brilliant in pre-season so far,” Lallana told the Telegraph. “You couldn’t put a price on him. He is a world class player. He has come back from the summer looking absolutely brilliant, so fit. He is going to be a massive player for us this season. I can feel it.”
