Guillem Balagué provides ‘Coutinho to Barcelona’ update

Guillem Balagué has rubbished claims made by the Catalan media that state Liverpool and Barcelona are currently negotiating a deal for Philippe Coutinho.

The Spanish football pundit insists that both clubs are not trying to broker a deal for the Brazilian despite the ongoing speculation that suggests otherwise.

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Balagué told Sky Sports: “Number one, it’s been reported that Liverpool asked for €200m for him at the end of the transfer window – that is absolutely not true. That was a figure that was used by somebody in the middle in an attempt to convince Barcelona that if they tabled a crazy bid Liverpool would accept. But Liverpool never gave any indication that Coutinho had a price.

“Number two, the stories emerging now that Liverpool have been talking to Barcelona, and that they are willing to change their position in January are totally false. Liverpool and Barcelona have not been talking directly, Liverpool are not interested right now, as things stand, in selling Coutinho.

“Number three, it’s being said in the Catalan press that Liverpool have a price they would like for Coutinho but that is a lie. No price has been put forward and, as it stands, Liverpool’s position has not changed.”

 

Despite Balagué’s words, it is widely accepted that the player still wants the transfer.

The official line from Anfield is that Coutinho is not for sale.