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COUT ON CAMERA

Barcelona already taking bookings for TV coverage of Philippe Coutinho’s unveiling on FRIDAY despite neither club confirming the deal is actually set to happen

Members of the media have already been offered television coverage of the Brazilian's transfer - but it has not even been announced yet

PHILIPPE COUTINHO'S expected £108million transfer to Barcelona has not been announced.

In fact, there has not even been a hint of it being confirmed by either Liverpool or Barca... until now.

 Philippe Coutinho has become Barcelona's No1 transfer target since his Brazilian team-mate Neymar left the Nou Camp
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Philippe Coutinho has become Barcelona's No1 transfer target since his Brazilian team-mate Neymar left the Nou CampCredit: PA:Press Association

It seems the La Liga giants are pressing on and making preparations for the player's unveiling at the Nou Camp - and have pencilled the ceremony in for FRIDAY.

The Catalan club have sent an email around asking media outlets if they would like television footage of the presentation, after a transfer that could potentially cost £108.8m.

According to BT Sport journalist Andy May, the club have been sending out invites for television coverage to broadcasters.

He tweeted: "Already getting emails from Barcelona offering television coverage of @Phil_Coutinho Barca presentation this Friday #keen."

He then later posted a grab of the email, which made for interesting reading.

It said: "Philippe Coutinho will be presented as FC Barcelona new player this Friday at Camp Nou.

 

 Barcelona have reportedly already sent out emails inviting broadcasters to use video footage
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Barcelona have reportedly already sent out emails inviting broadcasters to use video footageCredit: Getty Images
 Philippe Coutinho in action for Liverpool during their pre-season tour of the Far East
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Philippe Coutinho in action for Liverpool during their pre-season tour of the Far EastCredit: Reuters
 Ernesto Valverde has made Philippe Coutinho his No1 target after the departure of Neymar
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Ernesto Valverde has made Philippe Coutinho his No1 target after the departure of NeymarCredit: Rex Features

"We offer a TV News Package with the footage of the presentation right away after the event."

The move could be construed as outright arrogance from Barca, or merely confidence that the deal will get over the line, either way it is a big hint they are determined to get their man.

They made a mind-boggling £198m by selling Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, as they French side agreed to pay his incredibly expensive buy-out clause.

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool have already accepted a £108.8m deal for Coutinho, with exciting French youngster Ousmane Dembele also tipped to join Ernesto Valverde's team.

But that has not been confirmed by Liverpool, despite the fact that Barca seem to have the ball well and truly rolling.


Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and gossip in our live blog


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