Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has again moved to quell Barcelona’s interest in attacker Philippe Coutinho. The Reds rejected a bid believed to be in the region of €80m on Thursday, but Barca are expected to increase their offer.
Barcelona see Coutinho as an heir to Iniesta in a slightly more withdrawn midfield role. There are also reports that Neymar, linked with a move to Paris Saint Germain, has been frustrated with the Spanish club’s inability to close deals for compatriots Paulinho, Lucas Lima and Coutinho.
But Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was in defiant move after watching Coutinho score a trademark curling strike against Leicester City in Hong Kong on Saturday. "He"s a key player for us. He feels more than fine in Liverpool," Klopp told reporters.
He also revealed that he met with the player following Barca’s bid, "Yes [there was a meeting], with him. What was said? That"s not for you. He is a fantastic player and a fantastic boy. He is happy with the club, in the city and that’s it."
When asked if he feared Coutinho’s head being turned, Klopp was again defiant, "There"s no doubt about this (mentality). Why should he prove it?"
