Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona: Liverpool should sell now if they want Van Dijk - Cottee
LIVERPOOL must sell Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona sooner rather than later.
Jurgen Klopp speaks about Coutinho transfer
That's the view of former West Ham striker-turned-pundit Tony Cottee.
Coutinho has been strongly linked with a move to Barcelona this summer with the Catalan side desperate to find Neymar's replacement before the transfer window shuts later this month.
However, Liverpool insist he won't be sold and have already rejected two bids.
But Cottee reckons the Reds should cash in on him if they want to sign any more players.
Jurgen Klopp has already expressed his concerns over Liverpool's defence and their need to strengthen after conceding three sloppy goals in their 3-3 draw with Watford on Saturday.
Philippe Coutinho is attracting strong interest from Barcelona
And they're better off doing it sooner rather than later because if they want Van Dijk or someone else in [they need to] get the money so they can get someone else in and buy who they want.
Southampton's Virgil van Dijk is thought to be top of the German's wishlist but Saints are reluctant to do business with them.
And Cottee feels they need a cash injection by selling Coutinho if they want to improve their chances of landing Van Dijk.
"I think the dynamic's changed when Coutinho apparently put in the transfer request," Cottee said on Sky Sports.
"Once it becomes public they want to leave the football club you can't blame him.
Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk is on Liverpool's radar
"If Barcelona and Real Madrid come knocking, very few players in world football would say 'I'm going to stay where I am I'm not going to go.'
"It's a fantastic opportunity for him and they just need to do it in a dignified way.
"He's been a fantastic player for the last four years and if he is unhappy and doesn't want to play for the club anymore get as much money as you can.
"And they're better off doing it sooner rather than later because if they want Van Dijk or someone else in [they need to] get the money so they can get someone else in and buy who they want."
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?