Barcelona have confirmed they are still interested in Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho
Barca chief executive Oscar Grau yesterday said the club was willing to sign whoever manager Ernesto Valverde wants.
“We are ready to sign Coutinho or any other player the technical staff request in the winter window,” Grau said.
“We want to have the most competitive squad possible. The club will be sustainable, we don’t want losses. If that is the case, we will look for means to generate income.”
The news is said to have not gone down at Liverpool, who want the transfer saga to be over with after battling all summer to keep Coutinho.
But reports in Spain claim the Reds may actually be delighted that Barca have once again shown their hand.
GETTY
Barcelona would offer £71m up front for Philippe Coutinho
According to Barcelona-based newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool’s bosses will be delighted with Grau’s revelation.
That’s because they can now effectively name their price once again for the Brazilian, knowing Barca must pay it in order to save face after pledging their commitment to Valverde’s demands.
Valverde wanted Coutinho to join his attacking unit that is currently comprised of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and the injured Ousmane Dembele.
The boss is also seeking a long-term successor to Andres Iniesta.
REUTERS
Philippe Coutinho (right) has returned from international duty with Brazil
Liverpool's Coutinho scores wonder goal against Moscow
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Mundo Deportivo claim Barca could make the same mistake as they did in the summer, when they saw Coutinho’s price skyrocket once they made their interest in the player public.
Barca are said to be preparing a bid for January worth £71million (€80m) up front, with £26m (€30m) in add-ons.
The La Liga giants claimed Liverpool had demanded £189m (€200m) in the dying days of the transfer window - a suggest Liverpool themselves have denied.
The Anfield club’s owners FSG have always made clear they are not interested in selling the playmaker.
