We’re sure that this kind of transfer rumour will rear its head regularly over the next few windows, but importantly, it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Not now Jurgen Klopp is in charge and Liverpool are going places – quickly.
Spanish outlet Don Balon claims Real Madrid have drawn up a shortlist for their next blockbuster transfer which includes Coutinho, David De Gea, Eden Hazard, Julian Draxler and Maurco Icardi – having not won La Liga in four seasons. They’ve led the piece with a picture of Liverpool’s no.10, who they claim is a target because he can be enrolled into the Champions League squad in January.
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They’ve conjured this from thin air, for us.
Coutinho has recently declared his happiness at the club, as suggested by his excellent early season form which has seen him score blockbusters against Arsenal and Hull so far.
“Liverpool feels like my home,” Coutinho told the Echo in a brilliant exclusive interview.
“I feel happy, settled and comfortable here with the city and the people.
“It’s an amazing city. I enjoy going to the cinema with my wife and to restaurants in town.
“The supporters are very nice. Hearing people singing my name, it inspires me. The fans here make me feel amazing.
“They give all the players confidence. They are there for us in every game.”
What’s more, if Paul Pogba cost £89m, Real Madrid would need to break the world record by a significant margin to even tempt us into selling.
Klopp’s building a team around Coutinho and our no.10 is happy. He’s not going to leave, especially in January. Zinedine Zidane has not managed to get Isco and James Rodriguez into his starting XI anyway due to his 4-3-3 formation, so there isn’t a natural role for our Brazilian considering Cristiano Ronaldo plays from the left.