Barcelona Officials Arrive in London to Negotiate Philippe Coutinho £89m Transfer Amids Neymar's Doubt

Barcelona officials are in England to negotiate a deal for Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho, according to reports in Spain. The La Liga giants had a bid of £75million rejected for the Brazilian last week but the Catalans remain determined to sign Coutinho. Neymar, 25, is believed to be edging closer to a move to Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona have accelerated their interest in Coutinho as they fear losing the Brazil striker.

Spanish newspaper Sport lead with Coutinho on their front page on Tuesday morning and claim Barcelona representatives are in England to discuss an £89m transfer to the Nou Camp.

Jurgen Klopp maintains Coutinho is not for sale at any price but Barcelona’s hopes could hinge on the playmaker pushing for the move.

‘Everyone knows that Phil Coutinho is a key player for us. I know that he feels completely more than fine, comfortable, whatever, in Liverpool,’ the German said after Saturday’s pre-season win over Leicester.

‘He loves the club and the city – that’s clear. That he’s able to play like that tonight in a very difficult moment of the pre-season after all these sessions is good to see. That shows his big potential.’

Barcelona have spent just £40m this summer on the likes of Nelson Semedo and Gerard Deulofeu but those purchases are unlikely to appease the club’s fanbase, who watched on last season as rivals Real Madrid lifted a league and Champions League double.

Though Liverpool appear unlikely at this stage to give in to Bareclona’s advances, they could use the cash to fund a deal for RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita.

The Reds have had two bids rejected for the midfielder so far this summer and are refusing to meet the Bundesliga club’s £80m valuation.

Credit: Metro

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