Philippe Coutinho 'promised move' to Barcelona in January transfer window after making deal with Liverpool

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Philippe Coutinho believes he will be allowed to make his Liverpool exit in the January transfer window and finally seal a switch to Barcelona, according to reports in Spain.

The Brazilian was subject to summer-long interest from the Spanish giants, who desperately wanted to recruit him in the wake of losing prized asset Neymar to PSG in an astronomical £198million deal.

Liverpool held firm and repeatedly knocked back Barcelona's advances, claiming the player would not be sold at any price and going on public record to make their stance known.

Catalan publication Mundo Deportivo claim Philippe Coutinho has a pact to leave in January

Coutinho has returned to form for Liverpool but expects a January move, claims Spain reports

Undeterred, Barca bid three times for the 25-year-old, with their highest offering exceeding the £110million mark - each rejected by the Reds.

Coutinho reluctantly knuckled down after seeing his transfer request rejected, and has hit form again for Jurgen Klopp's men this season.

According to fresh Spanish reports however, the Brazilian is expecting to make a mid-season departure and join up with Barca in January, despite being cup-tied in the Champions League.

Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo, a well known mouth-piece for Barca, led with the story 'Pacto Coutinho' on Wednesday morning - claimed the playmaker has made a verbal agreement with Liverpool to stay with the club providing he could move on in January.

The Brazilian is Liverpool's main man and will be vital in the absence of the injured Sadio Mane

Coutinho has been on international duty with Brazil and is still hoping for a Barcelona switch

The report completely contradicts the stance of the Reds, with the club adamant Coutinho will honour his contract and remain in the Premier League this season.

With Liverpool this week learning that star man Sadio Mane is to be out for up to 10 weeks with a hamstring injury, their reluctance to part with Coutinho is likely to be stronger than ever.

The new Coutinho stories come in the same week Barca have lined up contract extensions for two of their main men, Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto.

Publication SPORT leads with the story of Pique and Roberto being in negotiations with the Catalan side to pen new deals running through to 2022.

Spanish press have also reported new deals for Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto this week