The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Klopp refuses to discuss latest Barcelona link to star Coutinho
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has refused to be drawn on the future of Philippe Coutinho as speculation about another bid from Barcelona escalates.
Coutinho is currently sidelined with a thigh strain which has ruled him out of tonight’s FA Cup Merseyside derby at home to Everton.
However, the Reds boss expects the Brazil international to be available to face Premier League leaders Manchester City on January 14.
Liverpool turned down three bids from Barcelona in August
– the final one was £118 million which comprised add-ons totalling over £30m – and that resulted in Coutinho handing in a transfer request, which was also rejected.
At the time the club’s principal owner John W Henry publicly stated that Liverpool would not sell the Brazilian.
There has been no such declaration so far this winter, and a bid has yet to materialise from Catalonia despite increased speculation of another move for the playmaker.
Reports have also suggested Coutinho believes he has played his final match for the club.
Despite another injury to Coutinho coinciding with the opening of the transfer window – the Brazilian missed the whole of August with a back problem – Klopp is already looking towards the City game to bring him back.
“I think he is in a bunch of available players for the City game on January 14,” said Klopp.
“All the things I could say now will only create stories. I have nothing to say about it. I opened the door halfway because I mentioned it was the transfer window but there is nothing I can say about it which would help me, the player or the club.”
Asked whether he had to consider the possibility of having to replace Coutinho in January, Klopp added: “Whatever you can consider it is not my cup of tea.
“I really have nothing to say. Maybe 80% of the cameras are here for these answers – that’s a waste of time then.”
Liverpool’s top scorer Mohamed Salah – named CAF African Player of the Year for 2017 last night – will also miss the derby with a groin injury but the world’s most expensive defender Virgil van Dijk could be in line to make his debut.
Meanwhile the Toffees are close to sealing a deal for Besiktas striker Cenk Tosun for a reported £27m.