Barcelona set to launch new £130m bid, still short of hefty valuation of top target

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Barcelona are reportedly set to return to Liverpool with a fourth offer for Philippe Coutinho, bidding £130m for the Brazilian playmaker.

It has been the most talked-about transfer saga of the summer as the Catalan giants continue to pursue the 25-year-old and attempt to prise him away from Anfield.

Liverpool have remained resolute in their desire to not sell their prized asset, while Coutinho has handed in a transfer request and is seemingly keen to move to the Nou Camp.

According to The Express, after a £119m bid was rejected this week, Barcelona will return with an improved offer of £130m, but that still may not be enough as it’s claimed that Liverpool are holding out for £140m.

Barca angered their Euro rivals with their previous offer given that it involved spreading the payments with a large portion being linked to performance-related bonuses, and so it remains to be seen whether or not the structure of this deal is different.

The initial payment will undoubtedly be key, but time will tell if Liverpool’s resolve can be broken as so far they don’t seem interested despite Coutinho wanting the move.

It’s fair to say that the saga has split opinion as some argue that it’s best to let Coutinho leave if he wants out and Liverpool can use that money to strengthen their squad.

Others insist that he remains a pivotal figure for Jurgen Klopp and must be kept, while there isn’t enough time in the transfer window to bring in a quality replacement.

In turn, it’s a real headache for the Merseyside giants, one that doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon.

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