Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Liverpool news: Philippe Coutinho close to Barcelona transfer after FSG talks - report
PHILIPPE COUTINHO is reportedly edging closer to securing his dream move to Barcelona.
Joey Barton: I think Liverpool should sell Coutinho
The Liverpool star, 25, has been the subject of three failed bids from Barcelona as they look to find a replacement for Neymar.
Reds owners Fenway Sports Group have reiterated that Coutinho is not for sale in a public statement.
This has been heavily backed by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who is hoping to keep his prized asset.
However, Spanish outlet Sport claim FSG have had a change of heart after holding talks with Coutinho’s representatives on Friday night.
The Brazil international handed in a transfer request in order to force through a move to the Nou Camp.
Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group have agreed to negotiate with Barcelona over the sale of Philippe Coutinho
And it appears as if the pressure has now paid off with the meeting between the Liverpool owners and his entourage having a positive outcome for Barcelona.
It is said the La Liga giants now have a clear route to securing Philippe Coutinho’s signature.
Sport say all that remains is for Liverpool to sign a replacement before agreeing to sell him to Barca for around £148million.
Bayern Munich midfielder Renato Sanches has been linked as his potential successor after falling down the pecking order at the Allianz Arena.
Barcelona have already completed the signing of Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund for an intial £96m, which could rise to £135.5m based on add-ons.
Philippe Coutinho is edging closer to Barcelona move after talks with Liverpool owners
But if a deal for Coutinho goes through before August 31 he will become their club-record signing.
Barca chief Roberto Fernandez confirmed talks are still ongoing for Coutinho this week.
Fernandez said: “Coutinho?" We are continuing the negotiations.
“We do not want and we do not have the right to say what we are doing.
“We want to get to a favourable situation, but for this to happen it is necessary to have a lot of discretion on the part of the clubs and the player.”
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?