On the eve of the Premier League season, this isn’t exactly the ideal preparation.
Philippe Coutinho has rocked Liverpool by handing in a transfer request, according to reports.
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The Reds today reiterated the Brazilian is NOT for sale as Barcelona eye a summer move.
But Coutinho, 25, is now trying to force through a move himself, according to Sky Sports.
That’s despite the club’s owners Fenway Sports Group releasing a statement this morning reiterating their talisman will not leave this summer.
Barca are desperate to land the midfielder as a replacement for Neymar, who left for PSG last week in a world record £190m deal.
The Catalan club have already had a second bid of £90m rejected by Liverpool.
How did Coutinho perform in fantasy football last season?
- Liverpool’s highest-rated player (7.56) in the Premier League last season
- 17 goals and 7 assists in all competitions
- Highest points scoring Liverpool player on Dream Team (201)
- Want him in your fantasy football team this season? Sign up now
This followed an initial offer of £72m last month.
Coutinho has missed training in the run up to Liverpool’s Premier League opener at Watford tomorrow.
NOT PICKED YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL TEAM YET? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Liverpool have so far denied reports their star man has handed in a transfer request.
Barcelona believe that the Brazilian star could be a long-term replacement for club legend Andres Iniesta.
They are also looking to tie down a deal for Borussia Dortmund hotshot Ousmane Dembele but have been met by the same ‘no-chance’ response as they have with Liverpool.
Watch this space.
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