Philippe Coutinho ‘agrees to Barcelona move’

LIVERPOOL midfielder Philippe Coutinho has already agreed to big-money move to Barcelona this summer, according to reports in the Spanish press.

The Brazil international, who has scored 10 goals in 29 Premier League appearances this season, has been linked with the Spanish champions after continuing his impressive form under Jurgen Klopp.

Barcelona-based newspaper Sport claims the Nou Camp club have already entered into informal talks with Coutinho’s camp over a possible move to Spain.

However, they also claim Liverpool will not allow the Brazilian to leave for less than £76million this summer.

That figure would make Coutinho the fourth most expensive signing in history, after Paul Pogba (£89.3), Gareth Bale (£85.3) and Cristiano Ronaldo (£80).

Liverpool are determined the keep hold of their 24-year-old midfielder, who only recently signed a contract extension with the Anfield club.

Coutinho became the highest-paid player in the club’s history when he signed a new long-term deal in January and, crucially for the Reds, there was no buyout clause inserted into the contract.

Barcelona have proved in the past that they are willing to break the bank for their top transfer targets, although Sport claims the Spanish giants view Liverpool’s valuation as unrealistic.

Barca are yet to open talks with Liverpool over a move for the Brazil international and will wait to see if the Reds qualify for the Champions League before making an official approach.

Turkish midfielder Arda Turan could be one player on his way out of the Nou Camp, according to reports from another Barcelona-based newspaper, Mundo Deportivo.

Turan has largely struggled since joining the club from rivals Atletico Madrid in 2015 – scoring just five goals in 36 appearances in La Liga.

Mundo Deportivo claims former Real Madrid forward Angel Di Maria is being lined up as a possible replacement, with Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus and Sevilla forward Vitolo are also being considered.

Di Maria made 190 appearances for Madrid before leaving the club for an unsuccessful one-year spell in the Premier League with Manchester United.

 

SOURCE: DAILYMAIL