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Barcelona to make offer for Liverpool star Coutinho as Neymar nears PSG - Guillem Balague
BARCELONA are readying a new offer for Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho as Neymar edges closer to joining Paris Saint-Germain.
Phil Thompson: Coutinho will stay at Liverpool
That is according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, who tweeted: “FCB expect PSG to pay Neymar's buyout clause this week.
“Coutinho WAS not a target as he's similar. But now a new offer to LFC is on its way.”
Barcelona had a £72million bid for Coutinho rejected by Liverpool and earlier today manager Jurgen Klopp insisted the Brazilian was not for sale.
Klopp said: "Yes (he is not for sale), but that's not since this morning or yesterday, it's not been any different.
FCB expect PSG to pay Neymar's buyout clause this week. Coutinho WAS not a target as he's similar. But now a new offer to LFC is on its way pic.twitter.com/If3DhpY2H1
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) July 21, 2017
But now a new offer to LFC is on its way [for Coutinho]
"Phil is a very important player for us. He's trying to get back his rhythm but there's no doubt about his quality. He's very smart both offensively and defensively.
"The nice news for us is that he's still young. He has improved a lot since I've been here and he can still improve a lot."
But it appears Neymar could join PSG as early as next week in what would be a stunning £196m deal and Barcelona have earmarked Coutinho as his replacement.
Reports in France and Brazil have claimed Neymar has agreed personal terms with the Ligue 1 side following talks between Neymar’s father and PSG sporting director Antero Henrique.
Barcelona want to sign Philippe Coutinho
On Thursday, one of Neymar’s team-mates Javier Mascherano told ESPN he has not seen a change in the 25-year-old.
"No, no [he's not been affected by the reports]," Mascherano said.
"Neymar is accustomed to the pressure and people talking. There's always going to be rumours and news around him.
"He is young and I hope he's here with Barcelona for many more years. He is a really important player for the club. Because of his age, he's the future of the club and we hope that we can keep on counting on him."
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