Barcelona transfer news LIVE updates: Man City deny Lionel Messi plot, Coutinho deadline

BARCELONA are working on a number of deals as the transfer deadline approaches - and Express Sport brings you the latest transfer news from the Nou Camp.

Coutinho's picture REMOVED from Liverpool's shop window

BARCELONA TRANSFER NEWS LIVE UPDATES: Follow below for the latest from the Nou Camp...

Monday August 21

Neymar slams Barca board

03:30: Neymar left Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, and he has suggested he was not always happy at the club.

The Brazil international has hit the ground running in Ligue 1, scoring three and providing three assists in his first two games.

And speaking after the 6-2 win over Toulouse yesterday, he took aim at his former club's bosses.

"I don't have anything to say to the Barcelona board," Neymar began. "For me. ... Well, actually I have something to say: That I am disappointed with them.

"For me, they shouldn't be in charge of Barca. Barca deserve much better, and everyone knows this."

Roberto not leaving

01:30: Sergi Roberto has closed the door on a potential exit from Barcelona with Chelsea and Manchester United showing interest in his services.

The versatile midfielder was reportedly growing concerned over his squad role for the upcoming season over the summer with the club linked with big money moves for midfielders - namely Philippe Coutinho.

But Roberto started in Barcelona's opening La Liga match yesterday and scored as they beat Real Betis 2-0.

And he is looking forward to playing a vital role for Barcelona this campaign.

"I started at the Bernabeu and the coach has given me confidence. I've scored today and I want to be important," he said.

Sergi RobertoGETTY

Sergi Roberto doesn't want to leave Barcelona

Sunday August 20

Messi blocks deal

23:10: Lionel Messi has reportedly warned Barcelona against a bid to re-sign Thiago from Bayern Munich.

Barcelona are desperate to make a marquee signing with the money earned from Neymar's move to Paris Saint-Germain.

A third bid worth £118million to sign Philippe Coutinho was once again swiftly rejected from Liverpool and some reports have suggested Barcelona could turn their attentions elsewhere.

One name linked with a move is Thiago but Don Balon claim Messi has told the club not to make a bid for Thiago because of comments he made after joined Bayern Munich.

Fan wears Coutinho shirt

20:20: A Barcelona fan clearly believes his side will sign Philippe Coutinho, having got ‘Coutinho 11’ printed on the back of his shirt.

Barcelona want to sign Coutinho but Liverpool are determined not to sell.

The No 11 shirt was vacated by Neymar, who completed his £200m move to PSG earlier this summer.

And Mundo Deportivo managed to snap a fan in a new Barca away shirt with Coutinho’s name on the back before the clash with Real Betis at the Nou Camp this evening.

Maybe the fan was also one of those who burned their Neymar shirt when he left for PSG.

Man City deny Messi interest

17:56: Manchester City have denied they are set to launch a world-record bid for Lionel Messi (15:30).

French broadcaster Canal Plus today claimed City were plotting a £275million bid for the Barcelona superstar.

Messi is yet to sign a new contract at Barca and City were said to be eyeing up his release clause.

But the Etihad Stadium club are not preparing a late bid to sign Messi in this transfer window.

Barcelona-based newspaper Mundo Deportivo claim club officials have rubbished the reports from French broadcasters.

Philippe CoutinhoMUNDO DEPORTIVO

A Barcelona fan has been spotted wearing a Philippe Coutinho shirt

Lionel MessiGETTY

Manchester City have denied they want to sign Lionel Messi

Jean Seri on Barca interest

17:03: Jean Seri says he’s heard nothing about a proposed move to Barcelona.

"I'm not in contact with anyone,” he told reporters in France after yesterday’s 2-0 win over Guingamp.

"I focus on what I have to do.

“If my agents and Barcelona see each other and talk, I don't know anything about that.

"If it happens, it happens. I'm still a Nice player today, and we'll see what happens later."

Lionel Messi update

16:07: More details are emerging of Manchester City’s interest in Lionel Messi.

French TV station Canal Plus claim City owner Khaldoon Al Mubarak began working on a deal on Friday.

City would have to pay a staggering £275million to sign Messi.

Barcelona are not interested in selling their superstar but would be powerless to block a move if City matched the release clause.

The Nou Camp club have already lost Neymar to PSG.

Liverpool to ignore deadline

15:57: Guillem Balague claims Liverpool have until 7pm to respond to Barcelona’s latest offer for Philippe Coutinho.

"I think Liverpool have got no intention of answering that email from Barcelona, which in theory means that's the end of that, the end of the story of Coutinho moving to Barcelona,” Balague said on Sky Sports.

“You never know in football of course, but Barcelona are true to their word and they will withdraw the offer at 7pm tonight.  "Liverpool have no intention of selling so Barcelona will have to look somewhere else for the reinforcements to bridge the gap of Real Madrid, who look so strong this season.

"They have known for a while that Liverpool do not want to negotiate; they have not sat down at the negotiating table all throughout the summer.

“Barcelona have had to start looking somewhere else and [Jean Michel] Seri of Nice is somebody they want to put their money on, and of course [Ousmane] Dembele.

“If they go for both of those, they won't have the money for anyone else anyway."

Philippe CoutinhoGETTY

Liverpool are determined to keep Philippe Coutinho

Messi to City?

15:30: Manchester City are preparing a world-record bid to trigger Lionel Messi's release clause at Barcelona, according to reports in France.

City manager Pep Guardiola is keen to bring in more players before the transfer window closes.

The boss has already been granted £220million to spend on new recruits this summer.

But City are willing to DOUBLE their outlay in order to land Messi.

According to Canal Plus and Eurosport, City are prepared to pay Messi’s £275m release clause.

Lionel MessiGETTY

Barcelona Transfer News: Manchester City want £275m Lionel Messi

Coutinho deadline

15:00 Barcelona have set Liverpool a deadline of 7pm to conclude any business for Philippe Coutinho, according to Guillem Balague.

The Spanish football expert tweeted: "1. More false claims from Catalan press on Cout.: no plan to meet FCB after CL/EL draw, not true that LFC rejected offer because of clauses.

"2. If FCB wanted 2 negotiate in draw, they have problem: LFC wont send director of football/owners. Secretary + ambassador would go instead.

"3. In fact, in 3rd offer, FCB put deadline of 7pm TODAY: if rejected they will withdrawn it. And... LFC will not answer/sell."

Dortmund want £119m for Dembele

14:15: Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc insists the club have a figure in mind for Barcelona target Ousmane Dembele.

And according to French outlet L'Equipe, that fee is £119million.

"We have a clear position and a clear requirement, if this requirement is met, then it will be transferred this summer," Zorc told Sky Sport in Germany. 

"Otherwise he will stay with us, it's very simple."

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