Liverpool ‘interested’ in Philippe Coutinho transfer but face Tottenham competition

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Tottenham and Liverpool are set to do battle over the transfer of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona, three years after his lucrative move to Catalonia. The Brazilian’s stint at Barca has not worked out how he would have hoped, meaning the third most expensive player in history is now likely to be available for a significantly cut-price fee.

The 29-year-old has endured a tough time at the Spanish giants, often suffering with injury and struggling to make the desired impact when he does play.

His goal and assist numbers have not dropped off significantly since his Liverpool days, but Spanish football fans are notoriously demanding, and he has failed to meet their lofty expectations.

With the club now in dire financial straits, Barca are keen to shift him off the wage bill, along with their other high earners like Antoine Griezmann.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool are interested in bringing their former playmaker back to Anfield.

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Coutinho’s determination to force a move away from Anfield in 2018 may have left a bitter taste in the mouths of Reds fans, which could pose an obstacle to a potential move.

Furthermore, the report also states that Jurgen Klopp would only be interested in a reunion if one of his attacking talents departs over the coming weeks.

In this sense, Tottenham may have the upper hand when it comes to landing Coutinho, given they are actively looking for an attacking midfielder.

Mikkel Damsgaard and Noni Madueke, two youngsters making names for themselves in the European game, have both been touted as potential targets.

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However, neither of them have proven themselves in the Premier League like Coutinho, who was a shining light during Klopp’s early years at Anfield.

Barca are reportedly open to either a loan or a permanent deal, although their poor finances imply that it would involve paying a massive chunk of his wages.

This may prove to be a stumbling block for Spurs, given their notoriously strict wage structure.

The north London side have gained some momentum this summer, after a slow start characterised by their chaotic manager hunt which culminated in Nuno Espirito Santo’s appointment.

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The former Wolves boss is now picking up the pace, having landed Bryan Gil from Sevilla, Pierluigi Gollini from Atalanta, and they are also closing in on his former team-mate, Cristian Romero.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have had a comparatively quiet summer, boxing off the signing of Ibrahima Konate early on.

Replacing Gini Wijnaldum remains a possibility for Klopp, although Coutinho is often found much further forward than his Dutch counterpart.

While Coutinho’s name has been dragged through the mud in recent years, the midfielder hit double figures in each of his last three seasons at Anfield.

As it stands, two Premier League heavyweights could have the chance to sign the third most expensive player in history for a bargain price as Barca become penned in by financial regulations later in the summer.

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