Liverpool Transfer News LIVE updates: Coutinho angry with Klopp, Van Dijk move

LIVERPOOL face a battle to hold on to Philippe Coutinho in the remaining days of the transfer window and Express Sport brings you the latest news and gossip.

Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Follow below for updates on the latest moves at Anfield

Thursday August 24

Coutinho angry with Klopp

01:00: Philippe Coutinho’s relationship with Jurgen Klopp has reportedly deteriorated to the point where he detests the Liverpool manager.

Barcelona have been constantly linked with a move for Philippe Coutinho, as they seek a replacement for Neymar, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record deal worth £200million.

So far, the Merseyside outfit have turned down three bids for the Catalan giants with a fourth offer of £134m expected to be lodged.

Yahoo Sport say Coutinho resents his boss for blocking his dream move to the Nou Camp and can’t stand him now one bit.

Wednesday August 23

Philippe Coutinho latest

23:10: Jurgen Klopp is keeping his thoughts to himself on Philippe Coutinho’s Liverpool future.

Express Sport understands Barcelona are prepared to go as high as £138m for the Brazilian playmaker.

Klopp has insisted so far that Coutinho, who has been out of action with a virus, is not for sale.

And he repeated his stance earlier this evening.

He said: “There is nothing else to say. 

“It's not that I don't want to talk about it, I just have nothing to say."

Carabao Cup draw

22:45: Away from transfer news, the Carabao Cup draw takes place tomorrow morning and Express Sport is on hand to bring you up to date on all you need to know.

Carabao Cup Draw: How can I watch it? When is the draw? Why is it in China?

Lineker joke

22:30: Gary Lineker has joked Liverpool should sell Philippe Coutinho after reaching the Champions League group stage.

After their 4-2 win over Hoffenheim, the BT Sport presenter said: “Philippe Coutinho. Sell him, they don’t need him. 

But Steven Gerrard replied: “We need two good players in every position.

“Two good players in every position, you know that.”

Liverpool urged to sell Coutinho

20:50: Liverpool should accept Barcelona’s £136million offer for Philippe Coutinho according to Graeme Souness.

“Players normally get their way at the end of the day and with the sort of cash that is being offered now, I'd be snapping their hand off,” the former Reds star and manager said.

Coutinho snapped out in Liverpool

18:00: Philippe Coutinho looked a little downbeat as he was snapped out in Liverpool this afternoon. 

Barcelona are reportedly plotting a fourth bid worth £138m to seal the Brazilian's signature with Coutinho desperate to get a move to the Nou Camp. 

But Liverpool are once again expected to reject the offer with the club insistent he will not be leaving Anfield.  

Klopp: I have no problems with Coutinho

16:30: Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insists the transfer saga surrounding Barcelona target Philippe Coutinho has not damaged their relationship.

A back injury and a current bout of sickness are keeping him out of action, but Klopp insists that when he is fit enough to return, there is no need for any clear-the-air talks.

"Of course, everything is okay between me and him," Klopp said. "Absolutely. 100 per cent."

Coutinho boost

15:43: Barcelona have agreed a £45millon deal with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Angel Di Maria - potentially ending their pursuit of Philipe Coutinho.

The Catalan giants have been chasing a marquee signing to replace Neymar and had their eyes set on the Liverpool star.

But The Sun claim Barca have now had a bid accepted for former Real Madrid winger Di Maria.

Liverpool's stance on Coutinho remains the same - he will not be sold.

Coutinho asks Barca to bid again

10.51: Philippe Coutinho has asked Barcelona to make Liverpool one last bid for him he tries to seal his dream move, according to Guillem Balague.

Barcelona have had three bids rejected for the Liverpool star and fresh reports claim they are set for a fourth of £138m.

And Spanish football expert Balague claims Coutinho is behind the latest bid as he tries to force the move.

But Balague claims the bid is destined to fail with Liverpool refusing to sell, and also that Barcelona can’t actually afford to buy him, Ousmane Dembele, Angel Di Maria and Jean Michael Seri all this summer.

And despite knowing the bid will fall on deaf ears they will submit it to maintain their relationship with Coutinho in the hope of signing him in the future.

“FCB are very aware LFC are not selling but have been asked by Coutinho to give it a last go. FCB don't want Coutinho upset for future,” Balague tweeted.

Dugarry slams Barcelona board over Coutinho

10:02: The Barcelona board have been slammed as being USELESS by former striker Christophe Dugarry.

Former France star Dugarry, who played for Barcelona 20 years ago, told SFR Sport 1: "The directors of that club are useless.

"They lost Dani Alves and they signed Lucas Digne. Money is not a problem, because they have it.

"If they want Dembele, all they have to do is pay. The same thing has happened with Coutinho and we have to stop haggling over 10 or 20 million euros, we have to pay, that's all.

"In recent years the signings have been catastrophic in any event."

Ox to snub new Arsenal deal

07.05: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is unlikely to sign a new contract at Arsenal this month.

Arsenal are offering the winger a new deal worth around £100,000 a week following interest from Chelsea and Liverpool.

The England midfielder has just 12 months left on his current deal and is considering his future.

And the Telegraph claim he will not sign new terms any time soon.

Lucas Vazquez interest

05:30: Real Madrid winger Lucas Vazquez is reportedly attracting interest from Liverpool. 

Vazquez, 26, made just 12 La Liga starts under Zinedine Zidane last season as Real Madrid beat Barcelona to the title. 

He did feature for Los Blancos in their 3-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna on the opening day of the new season, but only made a 10 minute cameo appearance. 

Vazquez is in need of regular first-team football, which Zidane cannot guarantee. 

Spanish outlet Don Balon say this has attracted interest from the Premier League, with Liverpool made aware of his situation. 

Angel di MariaGETTY

Barcelona are turning their attention to Angel di Maria

 

Coutinho 'determined' to seal Barcelona move

03:30: Philippe Coutinho is ‘more determined than ever’ to leave Liverpool for Barcelona. 

That is according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, who claims the La Liga giants are ready to launch a fresh bid for him worth £138million. 

On Twitter, Solhekol said: "Barcelona to make new £138m bid for Philippe Coutinho.

"Coutinho more determined than ever to leave Liverpool. Barcelona ‘will never give up’."

And he followed that tweet up by providing a breakdown of the potential transfer fee.

Solhekol added: "Barcelona fourth bid for Philippe Coutinho expected to be £101m up front plus £37m in add ons linked to Champions League appearances."

Van Dijk predicament

01:30: Virgil van Dijk is currently being forced to train with the Southampton Under-18s, according to Bryan Swanson.

Previous reports have suggested the Reds would have to stump up in excess of £60million if they wish to sign the 26-year-old.

And speaking about Van Dijk’s situation, Sky Sports reporter Bryan Swanson admitted the centre-back is training with the reserves.

“Van Dijk wants to leave Southampton and has strongly criticised the club’s management," he said.

“We are told he has been training with Southampton’s under-18s.”

Barcelona to make fourth and final bid for Coutinho

00:15: Barcelona are ready to lodge a fourth and final £136million offer to sign Philippe Coutinho. 

The Liverpool star has been the subject of three bids from Barca, which have all been rejected. 

Jurgen Klopp and the Reds have reiterated Coutinho is not for sale. 

But The Sun say the La Liga giants are ready to test their resolve one more time with a £100m up front offer, which will contain £36m in add-ons. 

These extras involve £9m each time Barca qualify for the Champions League in the next four seasons. 

The report adds he has been offered a five-year deal.

Tuesday August 22 

Klopp wants Howedes

22:26: Liverpool have set their sights on Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes, according to reports in Germany.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is keen to strengthen his defence this summer.

And German outlet DW Sports claim Klopp has set his sights on Schalke centre-back Howedes.

The Reds are reportedly willing to spend £18million to land the Germany international, who has this season been replaced as captain at Schalke.

Van Dijk statement

20:19: Southampton have appeared to further confirm Virgil van Dijk is going nowhere in a statement released tonight.

The Saints have just announced the £15m capture of Lazio centre-back Wesley Hoedt and used the opportunity to drop a hint Van Dijk is not joining Liverpool.

In an official Southampton press release, vice-chairman Les Reed pledges that Hoedt has signed "to play alongside Virgil van Dijk".

Reed is quoted as saying: "Wesley has proven his talent through his performances for Lazio, as well as the Netherlands, and we believe he can develop even further here at Southampton, alongside his international teammate Virgil van Dijk, as well as the likes of Jack Stephens, Maya Yoshida, Jan Bednarek and Florin Gardos."

Barca eye Keita

17:48: Barcelona are plotting a shock move to hijack Liverpool to sign Naby Keita.

Keita has been Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp's No 1 target this summer but RB Leipzig have refused to sell.

While Leipzig have blocked Liverpool's move for Keita, the Reds have done exactly the same with Barcelona for Philippe Coutinho.

And according to The Mirror, Barca have now turned their attention away from Coutinho to Keita.

It is said Barca chiefs were in attendance at Schalke's 2-0 Bundesliga win over Leipzig on Saturday to see Keita and also Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka.

"We await" Van Dijk confirmation

15.50: Sky Sports reporter Paul Gilmour has said “we await confirmation” with regards to Virgil van Dijk’s move to Liverpool.

Van Dijk’s future has been the transfer saga of the summer but could it be nearer to completion?

Southampton are refusing to sell but Gilmour does not think the deal is dead yet.

“Could Liverpool end up with Virgil van Dijk?” he said on Sky Sports News.

“We await confirmation.”

Virgil van DijkGETTY

Virgil van Dijk is being bombarded by messages from Liverpool fans

Reds should sell Coutinho - Goater

14.45: Liverpool have been told it would be good business to sell Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona by former Manchester City striker Shaun Goater.

Goater does not think Liverpool can win the league this season, even with Coutinho, so reckons they should sell him and invest the money they get on new signings before the window shuts on August 31.

“I personally think that Liverpool should sell him but try and get more,” Goater said on Sky Sports.

“At the end of the day, I think Liverpool will be short, they will be short to win the Premier League. 

“For me it could be good business as to what they can do with it after Coutinho’s moved on, if they accept.”

Van Dijk should play higher - Goater

13:30: Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk should be playing for a bigger club than Saints, according to pundit Shaun Goater.

But Goater says Van Dijk must accept he will be staying with Mauricio Pellegrino’s side until January’s window at least.

“His head’s been turned, he’s a quality player, he can and should be playing at a bigger club,” Goater said on Sky Sports.

“I think that is where his head has been turned but he was happy with the contract a year ago that he signed.”

Whelan fumes at lack of business

12.45: Liverpool have been left behind by their Premier league rivals in the transfer market, according to Ronnie Whelan.

“Set against the business United and City have done, Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp look like amateurs,” Whelan told the Irish Independent.

“Worse, Ronald Koeman and Everton have been spending like they’ve found a money tree.

“I think there there is deep frustration among Liverpool fans that the club cannot seem to push on and make the kind of signings a blind man can see that Klopp needs to make.

Coutinho wants clear-the-air talks

11:45: Philippe Coutinho wants clear-the-air talks with Liverpool in a bid to play for the club again.

Coutinho has been strongly linked with Barcelona but their offers have all been rejected.

Reports have suggested Barca dropped their interest in the Brazilian and The Independent say he now wants to return, conceding the chances of joining Barcelona are non-existent.

The 25-year-old’s entourage believe Barcelona manipulated the player and used his family to push for the move.

Desperate Liverpool messages to Van Dijk

10:52: Virgil van Dijk is being bombarded with messages by desperate Liverpool fans.

Kopites are taking to Twitter to try and convince the Southampton star to move to Anfield before the transfer window shits.

They have sent hundreds of messages to the Dutchman, who hasn’t posted on the site since July 15.

One fan pleaded: “The legend that @VirgilvDijk will be when he walks out in Anfield in the famous red of Liverpool, having rejected all other clubs!!”

Another told Van Dijk: “@VirgilvDijk make it happen to @LFC you will be a legend fans looking forward to this all TW @John_W_Henry.”

A fellow fan included a smily emoji in his tweet and wrote: “@VirgilvDijk come to liverpool :)”

Jamie Carragher: Sadio Mane is more important than Philippe Coutinho

10:00: Jamie Carragher believes Sadio Mane is more important to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp than Philippe Coutinho.

"I'd make an argument for that, especially with the way Jurgen Klopp likes to play. I think he's massively important," he said when asked on Monday Night Football.

"You see the goals that he's got and his goals record for a wide player is phenomenal since he's come to the club.

"All the other players on the list are top strikers in the Premier League. For Mane to be there, it shows his impact.

"If you compare him to Coutinho, who is a fantastic player which is why Barcelona want him, but if he carries on the way he is going, the top clubs around Europe will be looking at him because he has been a revelation since he came in."

Klopp eyes Dutch teen

09:00: Liverpool are weighing up a bid for Fortuna Sittard defender Perr Schuurs.

The 17-year-old had a trial with the Reds in May and impressed Liverpool's coaching staff.

The Daily Mail say the Kop club are now considering a bid for the youngster.

It is said Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are also chasing the 6ft 3ins centre-back.

Mateo KovacicGETTY

Is Mateo Kovacic on his way to Liverpool

Kovacic ‘verbal agreement’

08:30: Liverpool reportedly have a verbal agreement to sign Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

Jurgen Klopp has lined up the Croatia midfielder as a potential replacement for Barcelona transfer target Philippe Coutinho.

And Spanish outlet Don Balon say Kovacic has an agreement in place with the Reds.

Coutinho to Barcelona off

08.00: Barcelona have ended their pursuit of Philippe Coutinho.

The Liverpool ace was one of Barca’s top targets following the sale of Neymar to PSG but they have refused to budge despite the offers reaching £118m.

Barca are now looking at Angel Di Maria and could make a move for the former Real Madrid while talks over a deal for Ousmane Dembele are on-going.

Andrew Robertson 'bargain'

07:30: Tony Cascarino has claimed Liverpool summer signing Andrew Robertson could be one of the signings of the summer.

Cascarino told The Times: “Andrew Robertson gives Liverpool a new dynamic at left back and, for about £8m, could prove to be one of the bargains of the summer.

“The Scotland international reminds me of Tottenham’s Kieran Trippier — an attacking full back who is brilliant at crossing.

“Last season, James Milner did a great job there but would slow moves down by cutting back on to his favoured right foot, whereas Robertson’s first thought is to whip crosses into the box.

“He is a more rounded player than Alberto Moreno, who looks third-choice now and I would not be surprised if the Spaniard left.”

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