Phillipe Coutinho agent responds to Barcelona, Real Madrid rumours

Jurgen Klopp may be in for a rough start at Liverpool with reports that Manchester City want to bid £50million for playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazil worldwide had been a target for Luis Enrique’s side as they near the end of their transfer ban.

Sport claim Philippe Coutinho could leave Liverpool for Barcelona in the New Year, whilst The Mirror declares Real Madrid are ready to challenge their great rivals for the signature of the Brazilian midfielder.

“He signed a new long-term contract towards the end of last season that represents his ambition and his feeling for Liverpool”, Joorabchian continued.

League leaders Manchester City are eyeing up Coutinho to supplement their embarassment of attacking riches at the Etihad, having already poached Raheem Sterling to play alongside David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Wilfried Bony and Kevin De Bruye. Reports that I have been talking to clubs about Philippe are not true. “That is all that he is focused on-nothing else”.

Barcelona would most likely be looking to seal the deal for Coutinho in January when the transfer embargo is lifted. Even if he was, no way would Liverpool be open to dealing him in January.

“Coutinho made the choice to stay at Liverpool without Champions League football this season”, the grossly overpriced former Chelsea defender said. So the pressure is on for the club to either make several quality signings under the new coming manager or disappoint once again even though it may seem attainable this season as Chelsea now sit in 16th place.