Brazilian news outlet Globo reports that negotiations between Philippe Coutinho and Barcelona are at an advanced stage, despite Liverpool rejecting a bid of around €80m last week. They claim the player wants to go.
Coutinho signed a new deal with the Reds back in January, but Barca see him as a natural successor to Andres Iniesta in their midfield. Barcelona are also keen to placate Neymar, linked with a move to PSG, by landing his close friend Coutinho.
Globo say Barca representative Andre Cury met Kia Joorabchian and Giuliano Bertolucci in London on Monday. Both men are representatives of Coutinho and fellow Barca target Paulinho. The report says both players are keen to move.
Liverpool have declared the player is not for sale, but there is a suggestion that, secretly, they would consider an offer of €100m. Guangzhou Evergrande have proved equally as intransigent, having rebuffed Barca’s bids for Brazilian midfielder Paulinho.
