Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho in action in Hong Kong. Photo: Reuters
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https://scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2107441/liverpool-reject-ps114-million-barcelona-bid-philippe-coutinho Football
Liverpool reject £114m Barcelona bid for Philippe Coutinho
The 25-year-old Brazil playmaker, currently sidelined by a back problem, has submitted a transfer request after he signed a new five-year contract in January
Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho scored 14 goals in all competitions last season. Photo: AP
Liverpool have rejected a third bid from Barcelona for star playmaker Philippe Coutinho, a source from the Premier League club said.
British media reports said Barcelona’s latest bid was worth around £114 million (HK$1.1 billion), a significant increase on their previous offer of £90 million.
Liverpool have publicly stated that Coutinho is not for sale at any price and consider the figures being offered by Barcelona irrelevant.
The 25-year-old Brazil playmaker, currently sidelined by a back problem, has submitted a transfer request after he signed a new five-year contract in January.
Barcelona have targeted Coutinho and Borussia Dortmund winger Ousmane Dembele to plug the gap created by Neymar’s world-record €222 million (HK$2 billion) move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcelona general manager Pep Segura said earlier deals for the pair were “close”.
But Liverpool are refusing to budge and Dembele, 20, has been suspended by Dortmund after going on strike in a bid to force through a move.
Coutinho joined Liverpool from Inter Milan in an £8.5 million move in January 2013 and is the key creative figure in Jurgen Klopp’s team after scoring 14 goals in all competitions last season.