Liverpool have underlined their stance over Philippe Coutinho‘s future amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain, with the Brazilian not for sale at any cost.
The Ligue 1 side have emerged as suitors for Coutinho this summer, with reports over the weekend suggesting they were preparing a move for the 25-year-old.
Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe remains their priority target, but Liverpool’s No. 10 serves as their ‘plan B’, with the Reds said to value him at around £86.7 million.
However, ahead of Coutinho’s return to pre-season training on Tuesday, the Reds are reportedly unwilling to consider any approaches for their highest earner.
According to Goal‘s Melissa Reddy, Liverpool “have fielded no enquiries” from PSG at this stage, adding that “none would be welcomed nor entertained.”
Reddy adds that Coutinho is “perhaps more unattainable” than Mbappe, having signed a new five-year, £150,000-a-week contract with the Reds in January.
That this didn’t include a release clause highlights his commitment to the club, and he is said to have “no desire to depart Anfield.”
Rewarding Coutinho with a new long-term deal proved Liverpool’s ambition, and may prove to be the most significant piece of business they complete in 2017.
Coutinho has grown into a focal figure since his £8.5 million move from Inter Milan in 2013, and this is only set to continue in 2017/18.
Towards the end of last season, Jurgen Klopp suggested Coutinho’s future may lie in a deeper role in midfield, which he compounded with a star turn in May’s 4-0 win away to West Ham.
At the Olympic Stadium, Coutinho was at his creative best, and if that is to be his long-term position, supporters can hope for more magic in the upcoming campaign.
With the £36.9 million signing of Mohamed Salah from AS Roma, Klopp has already secured Coutinho’s replacement on the left flank.
Either the Egypt international or Sadio Mane should start on the left, with the other operating on the right, providing Roberto Firmino support as Liverpool’s new No. 9.
Behind them, Coutinho will be able to pull the strings, threading passes through for two of the fastest players in the Premier League.
Allowing the former Vasco da Gama youngster to leave for PSG this summer would be negligent, and would arguably only make sense if the Reds were able to seal the signing of Mbappe.
At this stage, Mbappe seems most likely to join Real Madrid, and with Liverpool resolute over Coutinho’s future, PSG are set for a disappointing summer.
