Liverpool has rejected an improved offer from Barcelona for their playmaker Philippe Coutinho and now consider that to be the end of any speculation regarding his future according to Sky sources. It is reported that Liverpool was offered £76.8m with an additional £13.6m in add-ons for their Brazilian playmaker. All summer there has been widespread speculation surrounding Coutinho with Barcelona, the odds on favourites in which to sign him should he wish to leave. This was intensified last week when Neymar left the Spanish giants, in a world record fee just shy of £200m, to play for Paris Saint Germain.
It became clear that Barcelona wishes to replace him and that his international teammate is the preferred choice.
Klopp looking to build
The recent developments certainly look to strengthen the Reds' fans faith in Jurgen Klopp that he is looking to build a strong team to start competing with the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea. The Liverpool manager has already added some quality to his squad during the summer transfer window, most notably with the arrival of Egyptian Mohamed Salah from Roma. The 25-year-old former Chelsea man really impressed during preseason by showing what he is capable of. He has scored 4 goals already, including one in a dominant display against Bayern Munich.
The performance showed just how quickly the team has gelled and made it transparent that Liverpool is capable of competing at the highest level.
It hasn't all been easy this summer for Klopp, though as arguably his biggest transfer target, Southampton's Virgil Van Dijk, still looks far from being settled. Liverpool began pursuing the Saints defender early on in the window, however, proceedings came to an abrupt halt when Southampton bosses accused Liverpool of illegally contacting the player.
Premier League rules state that clubs can only speak to potential signings if they are out of contract or they have written permission from the selling club. Liverpool was forced to make a public apology that included they had ended their interest in signing Van Dijk. However, recent speculation has started all over again with the Southampton captain handing in a transfer request, and apparently, Liverpool is leading the chase to land the centre back.
Fans fury at sponsors over signings
Liverpool fans took to Twitter today to voice their anger over the lack of new signings in recent weeks. Liverpool posted a tweet earlier announcing that they had signed a new shirt sleeve sponsorship deal with Western Union, however, fans responded demanding to know whether there will be any new signings in the near future.
One fan wrote on social media, “Stop getting sponsors and sign Van Dijk.” Another fan responded, ”Official money transfer partner. Can they transfer some money into the transfer kitty?”
