Liverpool have been signalled to brace themselves for another pursuit of Philippe Coutinho when the January transfer window opens.
Barcelona chief executive Oscar Grau has openly confirmed that the club will launch another attempt to sign the Brazilian after seeing their efforts come to no avail in the summer.
The Catalan giants had three bids, the third worth up to £118million, rejected by Liverpool and met with a firm insistence from owners Fenway Sports Group that the No.10 would not be sold for any price.
It seems, however, Barca have unfinished business.
Grau said: “We are ready to buy Coutinho in the winter market or any player the technical staff request,” as reported by the Liverpool Echo.
“But it is important to adjust ourselves, so if there are to be arrivals, there must be exits as well.”
“We must forget about the price paid for Neymar last summer. After taxes we received about €188m in income and a direct financial impact on the club’s treasury of €144m.”
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Grau’s comments follow up unconfirmed and, frankly, unreliable reports suggesting Coutinho has an agreement in place with Liverpool that will allow him to join Barcelona after January 1.
Since failing to secure a move to the Nou Camp after handing in a transfer request, the 25-year-old has responded admirably and been a standout figure for Jurgen Klopp’s men in recent weeks.
The ambition to play for the La Liga side is unlikely to have disappeared, but there is little chance of Liverpool altering their stance in the winter window- regardless of the money Barca throw at the deal.