Philippe Coutinho prepared to ‘go on strike at Liverpool even if it means jeopardising 2018 World Cup chances’ to force through Barcelona transfer this summer
Catalans have made Reds midfielder their No 1 target, but have so far found the Anfield giants tough to negotiate with
PHILIPPE Coutinho is ready to go on strike at Liverpool and even put his World Cup chances at risk in order to force through a move to Barcelona, according to reports in Catalonia.
The Anfield giants are adamant the Brazilian will not be leaving the club this summer, despite him missing the Champions League preliminary play-off victory over Hoffenheim.
But Mundo Deportivo insists the 25-year-old is refusing to let this opportunity go by and will do everything in his power to make the switch.
The report suggests Coutinho has told manager Jurgen Klopp he will not wear the red of Liverpool again.
And that, even if a lack of playing time harms his chances of making the Brazil squad for the 2018 World Cup, he is determined to make the move to Barcelona.
Coutinho was a target for the Catalans even before Neymar made his world-record £198million move to Paris Saint-Germain.
But, with a serious lack of star names at Ernesto Valverde’s disposal, they have made the former Inter Milan star their top target.
However, Liverpool are playing hardball — and are reported to have rejected a second offer of around £90m.
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Barcelona have endured a disastrous summer so far.
After pursuing PSG midfielder Marco Verratti since the end of last season, they ended up losing Neymar to the Ligue 1 giants — and started the season with a comprehensive 3-1 home defeat to Real Madrid.
The signing of Paulinho has done little appease the dissenting voices among their fanbase, who are urging president Josep Maria Bartomeu to stand down.