Liverpool have reportedly offered Barcelona a deal which would see Philippe Coutinho re-join the Reds on a two-year loan deal with an option to buy for £88million.
That’s according to an exclusive report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, who also claim that the Brazilian has given the green light for the move as the Reds remain close to his heart.
Barcelona are said to prefer selling Coutinho outright, instead of messing about with loan deals, as per the same report.
But Phil’s agent – Kia Joorabchian – has blasted Barcelona amid suggestions that his star client may be moved on this summer.
“I was told they have no intention of selling him, that Barcelona have not spoken to anyone and that stories to the contrary are simply not true,” he told the Telegraph.
“I will not let people talk about Philippe and put him down because for one-and-a-half years we have said nothing. All of us in Philippe’s camp will not let that happen because Barcelona have told us he is staying.
“Coutinho’s camp are not actively looking to move him but we believe people inside Barcelona may be acting without authority to try and sell the player.”
MORE: Liverpool ready to sanction Coutinho return on one condition – report
Whatever is happening, if the rumours are to be believed, it doesn’t sound as if Coutinho is wanted around the Camp Nou a great deal anymore – a feeling which seems to be mutual.
Opinion
This is a strange one. Obviously, Calciomercato could be fabricating this story to get some clicks – but a two-year loan with a view to buy for just over half what Barcelona paid for Coutinho is a bit of a stretch.
They say there is no smoke without fire, but, with this one, I’m not sure I’m buying any of it – Phil would be an excellent addition to our already talented squad, but we don’t need him.