Barcelona return with new offer for Coutinho: 150 million euros
The Daily Mail report that the Catalans have put in a fourth bid for the Brazilian midfielder: 110 million euros plus 40 million in bonuses. Liverpool have turned it down.
Barcelona's technical department have decided not to pursue Jean Michaël Seri after receiving a scouting report which raised a few question marks over the player, the Blaugranas are back in their quest to prise Philippe Coutinho away from Liverpool. According to the Daily Mail, Barça have tabled a new, fourth bid for the Brazilian and have upped their offer to 150 million euros - a straight transfer fee of 110 million plus 40 million in add-ons. The Mail explains that those add-ons relate to the amount of games Coutinho would play in the Champions League which would be a formality for a side who have only failed to qualify for the competition once (1996-7) in 25 years.
Klopp denies rumours of rift with Coutinho
Coutinho, who put in a transfer request to Liverpool in the hope that the Merseysiders would agree to open negotiations with Barcelona, is still hopeful that a deal can be reached. He is still suffering from a mysterious back injury which has forced him to miss both of Liverpool's opening Premier League games and the Champions League Play-off against Hoffenheim. In his pre-match press conference yesterday, Klopp insisted that the situation hasn't changed, and that Coutinho is not for sale and added that there are no problems in his relationship with the player: "Why do you ask if everything is ok between me and him. I answer, of course - or yes! indeed, absolutely, 100%...".
The Liverpool Echo report that Liverpool have yet to receive Barça's latest offer for Coutinho but when they do it will be instantly and unconditionally turned down.