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Philippe Coutinho? I prefer my players, says Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde

Liverpool forward is reportedly on Spanish club’s radar with US$180 million move touted for January transfer window after failed summer pursuit

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Philippe Coutinho is reportedly close to securing a move to Barcelona. Photo: Reuters
Agence France-Presse

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has shrugged off speculation over an imminent swoop for Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho by insisting: “I prefer the players I currently have in the team”.

Brazilian international forward Coutinho has been linked with a 150 million (US$180 million) switch to the Spanish giants in the current transfer window just as he was when the English side thwarted a series of approaches from Barca last summer.

“I have nothing to say on the subject of Coutinho, he isn’t one of our players,” said Valverde.

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“He is at another team and we respect the fact that he is at another team. He is a great player and we don’t know what is going to happen in the future.

“However, I much prefer the players that I currently have in my team and they are the ones who concern me.”

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Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has played down links to Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho. Photo: EPA
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has played down links to Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho. Photo: EPA
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