Liverpool find themselves up against the might of Barcelona’s luring powers as the Catalan giants prepare to step up their pursuit of Philippe Coutinho.
Conflicting reports over the past couple of days have suggested that the Spanish club have ended interest in the Brazilian and instead turned a focus towards Juventus star Paulo Dybala, while also claiming that a £120million bid for Coutinho was imminent.
Barcelona have already seen an opening offer of £72million for the 25-year-old rejected by Liverpool, but are expected to return for their first choice replacement for Neymar, who recently joined Paris Saint-Germain for a world record fee of £198million.
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has taken to Twitter to report that Coutinho does in fact have an agreement with Barcelona, but has also explained that Liverpool are remaining firm in their stance.
Jurgen Klopp has continued to reiterate that Coutinho will not be allowed to leave the Reds under any circumstances this summer.
The German was quick to hold talks with the playmaker shortly after the first bid was rejected, reportedly telling his star man to shelve any interest he has in playing for the La Liga side.
Coutinho signed a new five-year deal in January and the club will be hoping to get at least another year from him on Merseyside, with Barcelona’s desire to sign him unlikely to fade away between now and next summer.
Though the latest development is seriously worrying, a deal seems unlikely unless Coutinho himself were to openly request a transfer.
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