- Philippe Coutinho’s move to Barcelona is reportedly close to completion
- Liverpool supposedly yet to receive official bid for the Brazilian
- Coutinho keen to seal January move, rather than waiting until the summer
- SEE MORE: Liverpool eye audacious transfer with €160m Coutinho funds
Philippe Coutinho is closing in on securing a dream move to Barcelona as talks over a deal continue to move forward.
The Brazilian is vying for a January move to the Nou Camp having seen his transfer request come to no avail in his summer efforts to force a deal.
Liverpool’s preference is undoubtedly keeping Coutinho at least until the end of the season, although the Reds are looking increasingly resigned to losing the playmaker this month.
Having rejected three bids prior to the 2017/2017 campaign, Liverpool have since seemingly softened their resistance and will reportedly entertain an offer of around £145million.
Journalist Rafael Hernandez has taken to Twitter to hint that a deal is close to completion, suggesting it could be just a matter of days.
Coutinho and Mina will be signed in the coming days. Arthur discarded for now, club might come back for him this summer.
— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) January 5, 2018
Despite the claims, it is yet to have been reported in England that Liverpool have received an official offer for Coutinho.
Given the number of unreliable stories surrounding the saga, it’s possible the clubs will refrain from leaking details of their ongoing discussions.
Coutinho’s departure is deemed an inevitability at this stage, with the club expected to relinquish its stronghold and grant the little magician his move to Spain.
There can be few arguments if a deal is agreed, with Coutinho having shelved ambitions to play for Barcelona and worked admirably for the club during the first half of the season.
201 games into his Anfield career, the no.10 has good reason to seek the next step in his career if he feels it is his time.
Fans also have good reason to oppose his sale, with Liverpool having no reason to sell their star man as they continue their fight for a top four finish and prepare for the Champions League knockout stages.
The onus is on the club to both continue fighting to keep their talisman for the second half of the season and to prepare for life without him.