Barcelona, you might have heard, parted company with a certain Brazilian international last week.
With £200m burning a hole in their pockets, they’re now keen to get a few new signings through the Camp Nou doors to help replace him.
One of those men is, as numerous reports have pointed out, is Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho. Barca are already thought to have had a £72m bid for the Brazilian knocked back by the Merseyside club, with manager Jürgen Klopp making it perfectly clear that he does not intend to sell the player on numerous occasions.
Liverpool’s ‘not for sale’ stance remains, although it now appears Coutinho himself wishes to leave.
Sky Sports announced on Monday afternoon that a source close to the player had announced that he wished to make the move to Barcelona, so long as the two clubs could complete a deal amicably.
BREAKING: Source close to Philippe Coutinho says he would like to move to @FCBarcelona if a deal can be done amicably with @LFC pic.twitter.com/6TWEkjZdyd
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 7, 2017
Reporter Kaveh Solhekol added that Coutinho has made it known that Barca are the only club he would consider moving to from Liverpool.
1/2 Philippe Coutinho would like to move to Barcelona if deal can be done amicably with Liverpool. Would only leave Liverpool for Barcelona
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 7, 2017
Solhekol also adds that despite the development, Liverpool still have no intention of letting the 25-year-old leave. The £72m bid they received from Barcelona 18 days ago was the last contact the two clubs have had on the matter.