Philippe Coutinho latest: Liverpool star has ‘agreed terms in principle’ over switch to Barcelona, claim reports in Spain
Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho is apparently edging closer to a move to Barcelona, with reports in Spain claiming he has ‘agreed a contract in principle’ with the Catalan club.
The Brazilian midfield maestro has been linked with a stunning big-money switch to Barca, with the Merseyside club reported to have rejected a £72million bid.
However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Coutinho has already held talks with Barcelona over a potential move and has agreed terms to join them.
Meanwhile, Catalan radio station RAC1 claim the 25-year-old has told Liverpool he wants to join the Spanish giants this summer.
Liverpool are thought to value the influential playmaker at around £89million.
However, talkSPORT have been told Barcelona will only make a move to sign Coutinho IF superstar forward Neymar leaves the Nou Camp.
The Spanish giants seem to be losing their battle to keep the Brazilian, with Paris Saint-Germain willing to smash the world transfer record by paying the Brazilian’s £199million release clause.
If Neymar does leave, Barca will move in to sign Coutinho as a like-for-like replacement. If PSG’s pursuit fails, it seems Coutinho will stay at Anfield.
Manager Jurgen Klopp recently said the Reds are not willing to sell their top-earning star this summer, insisting Liverpool ‘are not a selling club’.
Asked if it’s correct that Coutinho is not for sale, the Reds boss told a recent press conference during their pre-season tour of Asia: “Yes, that's what we can say.
"I'm not surprised that any club is interested in players, if it is like this. A few people obviously see that Liverpool has a few good players. That's how it is.
"But a very important message is, we are not a selling club." - Read Klopp's quotes IN FULL here