Liverpool news: Barcelona CEO confirms Philippe Coutinho approach in January

The Brazilian tried to force through a move to the Spanish giants in the summer but the Reds felt their valuation was not met.

It was reported that Barca were willing to part with around £114million - just over half of the £200m they received off Paris Saint-German for Neymar - but Anfield bosses turned the offers down.

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo had earlier today claimed that Liverpool chiefs were ready to let the 25-year-old leave.

They claim Coutinho was reluctant to play in the Champions League this season because it meant he would not be able to represent Barca in the same competition if he moved in January.

In order to convince the Brazilian to play in Europe, Liverpool chiefs promised him they would let him move to La Liga in the New Year.

And there now seems to be stronger substance to those reports as Grau has indicated that the Catalans are ready to table an improved bid when the transfer window reopens.

However, Grau has played down the transfer budget that the five-time Champions League winners have at their disposal.

"We are ready to buy Coutinho in the winter market, or any player the technical staff request," said Grau in a press conference, where did was discussing Barca’s financial results. 

"But it is important to adjust ourselves, so if there are to be arrivals, there must be exits as well.

"We must forget about the price paid for Neymar last summer. After taxes we received about €188m in income and a direct financial impact on the club's treasury of €144m.”

While Coutinho only has eyes for Barca at the moment, the La Liga club do not want to have to battle PSG for his signature in the summer and they are working round the clock to ensure he becomes a Barca player in the coming months.

Coutinho, who has scored three goals for the Reds this season, is under contract with Liverpool until 2022.