Barcelona briefing that Coutinho deal is close

Barcelona appear to be briefing foreign press that they are indeed edging closer to a deal for Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho.

Brazil-based journalist Rafael Hernandez has claimed that an agreement is close between the two sides, while beIN Sports correspondent Achraf Ben Ayad has claimed that sources have informed him that the move will go ahead.

Twitter: Coutinho almost done, club wants to make an announcement as soon as possible. Over €150m including bonuses… (@RafaelH117)

Twitter: I insisted Coutinho wasn’t going to leave Liverpool all summer. But now Barça is indeed close, no next few hours or 90% rubbish. (@RafaelH117)

Twitter: مصادر داخل برشلونة حصريا لبي ان سبورتس: كوتينيو سينتقل لبرشلونة (@Benayadachraf)

These claims counter reports from England, and ones specifically from Liverpool-based reporters, who claimed that irrespective of Barcelona’s offer for Coutinho, he will not be sold this summer.

Liverpool are keen to push through a club-record move for AS Monaco man, but it is understood that this has no impact on proceedings regarding Coutinho.

The Reds have made it clear that the Brazil international will remain at the club, but with Barcelona still pushing to land him in the final stages of the window, foreign reports are suggesting that the La Liga giants are growing increasingly confident.