Philippe Coutinho left OUT of Liverpool’s crunch Champions League qualifier against Hoffenheim amid Barcelona interest
The Brazilian playmaker has been linked with a move to La Liga giants and has handed in an official transfer request
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PHILIPPE COUTINHO has been left out of Liverpool's squad for their Champions League qualifier against Hoffenheim.
The Brazilian playmaker has been linked with a move to Barcelona and handed in an official transfer request last week.
Barca have seen bids of £72million and £90m snubbed - leading Coutinho to try and force the issue.
Jurgen Klopp's decision not to field him in Germany will likely be attributed to his back injury - but it is a worrying step for Reds fans.
After he informed the club he wanted to leave, Sky Sports claims a member of the star's family said: “Philippe has tried very hard to find an amicable solution but to no avail.
“He has tremendous love for the club and fans but as Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez have pointed out in the past, Liverpool does not let its players leave on amicable terms.”
But Anfield chiefs have so far refused to budge on their position and are refusing to sell.
The Reds said in a statement: “We wish to offer clarity as regards to our position on a possible transfer of Philippe Coutinho.
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“The club’s definitive stance is that no offers for Philippe will be considered and he will remain a member of Liverpool football club when the summer window closes.”
Barcelona are desperately searching for a Neymar replacement after Gerard Deulofeu started in the 3-1 Super Cup first-leg defeat against Real Madrid.
Daniel Sturridge will also miss the clash with Hoffenheim after failing to recover from a thigh injury he suffered against Bayern Munich.
