Coutinho Still Barcelona’s Number One Target

Resident Merseyside magician Philippe Coutinho is still believed to be a priority for Barcelona despite interest in AS Monaco’s Thomas Lemar. A fourth bid from the Catalan club has been talked of but would not be welcomed whatsoever.

Peter Moore has indicated that Coutinho isn’t expected to leave as Liverpool continue to maintain a firm stance on the player’s future. Even after the transfer window shuts tomorrow at 11PM BST/6PM EST for English clubs, Spanish clubs have an extra 24 hours to buy players. This may explain Liverpool’s approach in continuing to pursue Thomas Lemar in spite of a £35 million deal being agreed for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

There are other names being discussed by Barcelona, including Juventus star Paulo Dybala and the aforementioned Lemar. Over the past week Liverpool have shown strength on and off the pitch, and it is quite clear that Barcelona will need to be mindful of this in making yet another approach for Liverpool’s number ten.