Liverpool transfer news: Philippe Coutinho ‘does not like’ Jurgen Klopp - report

THE relationship between Philippe Coutinho and Jurgen Klopp has deteriorated to the extent the Liverpool midfielder ‘does not like’ the manager any more.

00:59, Wed, Aug 30, 2017 | UPDATED: 01:05, Wed, Aug 30, 2017

Mark Lawrenson: Philippe Coutinho is a problem for Klopp

Reports this evening claimed Liverpool had agreed to sell Coutinho to Barcelona for £148.5million (160m euros) after weeks of saying he will not be allowed to leave.

Coutinho handed in a transfer request earlier this month in a bid to force through a move but it was rejected instantly.

The Brazilian has not played for Liverpool this season due to a ‘back injury’ but he was fit enough to take part in training with the Brazil national team and could play in their World Cup qualifiers this week.

Thomas Lemar and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are both wanted by Klopp before the deadline

Klopp has been adamant his relationship with Coutinho has not been affected by the 25-year-old desire to leave.

But according to Yahoo Sport, the pair have fallen out and Coutinho “does not like the manager one bit”.

The report claims Klopp has attempted to “make an example” of Coutinho by denying his wish to leave before the season started.

Philippe Coutinho GETTY

Philippe Coutinho is closing in on a move to Barcelona

And a source is quoted as saying: “He [Klopp] has been trying to play the hard man.”

However it does appear Coutinho is closing in a transfer to Barcelona in the final days of the window.

Liverpool are pursuing a number of targets who could be replacements for Coutinho.

Thomas Lemar and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are both wanted by Klopp before the deadline.