Reports: Coutinho asks to leave Liverpool as Barcelona circles

Widespread reports have claimed that Philippe Coutinho has handed in a transfer request at Liverpool as Barcelona circle the Brazilian.

Published : Aug 12, 2017 10:21 IST

Barcelona target Philippe Coutinho has handed in a transfer request at Liverpool, according to widespread reports.

Coutinho has emerged as a top target for Barca as it looks to replace Neymar, following his €222million switch to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Reds are reported to have turned down two bids from the LaLiga giants, the second worth an estimated £100m, and Fenway Sports Group - Liverpool's owners - released a statement on Friday insisting that further offers for the Brazilian would not be considered.

However, just a few short hours later, it emerged that Coutinho had reportedly demanded a departure from Anfield.

The move will boost Barca in its attempt to replace Neymar, after seeing a bid for Borussia Dortmund winger Ousmane Dembele rejected on Thursday.

The France winger was sanctioned by Dortmund for failing to report for training on the same day.

Coutinho will be out of action this weekend when Liverpool begin its Premier League campaign against Watford due to a back injury.

He scored 13 goals and assisted seven more in 31 Premier League appearances last term, helping Jurgen Klopp's side finish fourth.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment