Barcelona will hold talks with Liverpool for Philippe Coutinho next week
Barcelona have been keen to sign Philippe Coutinho ever since Neymar’s shock departure to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.
The Catalan club made a number of bids for the midfielder, all of which were rejected out of hand by Liverpool.
However, Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claim Barca have not been deterred and will return with a final offer in January.
The report says the club have chosen agent Kia Joorabchian to act as an intermediary in the negotiations and he will meet with Liverpool officials next week.
GETTY
Philippe Coutinho is said to have had a deal in place with Liverpool allowing him to join Barcelona
Liverpool's Coutinho scores wonder goal against Moscow
Barca do not plan to go much beyond their previous offer of £100million which will be broken down into an initial £74m bid plus £26m in add-ons.
The La Liga side are reluctant to exceed the offer as Coutinho will not be available for Champions League football should he sign, having already represented the Reds.
However, Mundo Deportivo claim Barca are realistic and understand his fine form this term could result in Liverpool hiking the price.
Coutinho is also said to be pushing for the exit door and hopes his willingness to represent Liverpool in Europe will work in his favour.
The report says the Brazilian sat down for talks with his agent and Anfield bosses earlier in the year and agreed an informal move to Barca.
The deal reportedly required Coutinho to shelve his transfer request and play for the Reds without question until January when he would be granted a move.
The only catch was Barca must agree to match Liverpool’s price-tag, believed to be in the region of £130m.
Coutinho has made eight appearances this season in all competitions, scoring four goals and providing three assists in all competitions.
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