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Philippe Coutinho 'suffering' at Liverpool amid £22m Barcelona interest
PHILIPPE COUTINHO is "suffering at Liverpool" and wants to quit the club for Barcelona, claim reports in Spain.
Philippe Coutinho - Spotlight On
Brazilian Coutinho, 23, has caught the eye of Barca boss Luis Enrique and a January bid is expected.
It is understood his agent has held talks with Barca representatives over a transfer, with Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo today claiming the player wants out and that a June move is preferable over January.
Philippe Coutinho (left) joined Liverpool from Inter in 2013
Liverpool are currently negotiating a contract with prospective manager Jurgen Klopp after sacking Brendan Rodgers on Sunday.
It is not known who would be part of Klopp's plans for a future Reds side but Coutinho, as one of the team's star performers over the last 18 months, is hardly likely to be sold without a fight.
According to Sport, Barca believe they can prise Coutinho away from Anfield for just £22million.
Brazil team-mate Neymar has already expressed his desire to see the attacking midfield at the Nou Camp.
And despite Coutinho saying in a recent interview that he is content on Merseyside, the Spanish press insist a move is imminent.
"I am totally focused on Liverpool," Coutinho said. "I heard what Neymar said but I want to do well with Liverpool. I am happy here and I hope this season will go well for us.
"Of course it is a nice thing that he said. Everyone knows he’s my friend but I am here and focused on Liverpool to help them do good things on the pitch."
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