One major problem that comes with a lack of Champions League football for more than a season is that big-name players tend to grow impatient.
And Paris Saint-Germain are set to flex their hard-bought muscles by testing the loyalty of Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho.
The Reds’ player of the year is believed to be high up on PSG’s transfer wishlist this summer, along with Chelsea winger Eden Hazard, as the French powerhouse aims to take their progress one step further by becoming more competitive in Europe.
PSG have won their fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title which has essentially turned the French top flight into a monopoly but their mega-rich Qatari owners are keen to start challenging for Champions League glory.
And with the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, exciting new talent is required at the Parc des Princes.
The Liverpool Echo report that PSG have already “sounded out” Coutinho’s representatives for a potential move but that a formal bid has yet to be lodged.
Jurgen Klopp is expected to bring in several new players for his first pre-season in the Premier League but perhaps his most important piece of business would be keeping hold of his Brazilian playmaker.
