Barcelona begin ‘final phase’ of Philippe Coutinho deal as they try and land Liverpool star for slashed price
Coutinho was denied his dream move to Spain in the summer and according to reports Barcelona are confident of granting the Brazilian his wish in January
BARCELONA believe they are close to finalising a deal for Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho in January, according to reports.
Mundo Deportivo report the Brazilian’s agent Kia Joorabchian will act as a conduit between the clubs and plans to meet with the Liverpool top brass within the next week to thrash out details of the big money switch.
Barca were desperate to land Coutinho in the summer to replace Neymar who joined Paris Saint-Germain.
Two huge bids were rebuffed with the highest of around £138million for the 25-year-old who was desperate to join the Catalan giants after four years in the Premier League.
Coutinho shook off his disappointment and recovered from his back injury to score four goals for Liverpool since his return to club football in mid-September.
Despite a fee being closed to being agreed, Barca could try and lower the price for Coutinho, as he will not be eligible to play in the Champions League after featuring in the Kop’s first three group games.
Coutinho is hoping his Anfield exit is goes smoothly as he agreed to knuckle down and show his commitment to Jurgen Klopp while still on Merseyside.
Barca boss Ernesto Valverde is still keen to add reinforcements in January with PSG star Marco Verratti and Columbian star Yerry Mina who will join at the end of the campaign.
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Coutinho scored in Liverpool’s 7-0 battering of Slovenian minnows Maribor on Tuesday and should feature at Wembley on Sunday against Tottenham.
Klopp's men are desperate for three points as they are without a Premier League win since their 3-2 victory at Leicester on September 23.
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