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Transfer talks between representatives of Philippe Coutinho, FC Barcelona and Liverpool Football Club were reportedly held in London on Monday.
You may recall the claims that were made last week which stated that they would all get around a table this week to discuss a potential deal, well it would appear that such a meeting did go ahead.
It is claimed that a 3rd party representative of Liverpool FC informed Coutinho’s representative Kia Joorabchian that the Reds will not accept a penny less than £135million. Reports in Spain claim that Barcelona are offering just over £71million upfront with a further £26.7million in add-ons which they insist are realistic and should be achieved i.e. £97.7m in total.
However, Barcelona fear that if they fail to strike an agreement soon then they could lose Coutinho in the summer to someone else, with French giants Paris Saint-Germain known admirers.
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At the meeting it is said that Joorabchian informed Barcelona that PSG had registered new interest in the Brazilian within the last few days. PSG have previously sniffed around the player so it doesn’t come as a surprise that their sporting director Antero Henrique has asked to be kept informed of developments now that Liverpool appear willing to allow the player to leave after he agreed in the summer to stay with the Merseyside outfit for a little longer.
As Coutinho’s close friend Neymar left Barcelona for PSG in the summer, PSG feel they may able to tempt Coutinho to join them instead. Sources close to the player though claim he has his heart set on a move to the Nou Camp and that he will definitely not be at Liverpool next season. As yet PSG have not tabled an offer but their interest could help Liverpool achieve a higher transfer fee if they follow up on their enquiry.
Barcelona want to wrap up a deal in January but believe they shouldn’t pay a premium for Coutinho who has turned out in the Champions League for Liverpool this season. As Coutinho handed in a transfer request in the summer, Barca also feel that the player’s desire to join them will help keep the transfer fee down.
Well placed sources at Anfield claim the Reds have agreed to let Coutinho leave next year (they haven’t specifically stated during which window) but only if Barcelona pay the asking price and in a way that is acceptable to the Liverpool hierarchy.
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