Liverpool continue to refuse any notion of parting with Philippe Coutinho, despite Barcelona’s latest offer reaching a potential £118million.
Having lost Neymar to Paris Saint Germain for a world record £198million, Barca are determined to land a top-class replacement and have Coutinho firmly in their sights. However, a first bid in the region of £72million was rejected by Liverpool, who also baulked at an improved offer of £90.4million.
Jurgen Klopp insists there he will not entertain the idea of the 25-year-old leaving Anfield this summer, despite the player reportedly handing in a transfer request in an attempt to facilitate a move to the Camp Nou. But even this appears to have been fruitless, as the Reds refuse to alter their stance.
It has now been claimed that the Spaniards have failed with a third bid for Coutinho, which consisted of an initial £113million payment followed by a further £5million in add-ons. Such a fee would make the Brazilian the second most expensive signing ever, but it’s still not enough for the Merseyside club.
On the face of it, Liverpool are under no pressure to sell the former Inter Milan playmaker, as he signed a new five-and-a-half year contract just last January. But it remains to be seen if his desire to join Barca, and their apparent eagerness to sign him, with eventually wear down the Reds’ resolve.
