Coutinho move to Barcelona on the brink

Barcelona close to sealing a move for Philippe Coutinho with a fresh offer of £142 million

Barcelona have increased their offer for Philippe Coutinho to around £142 million according to rerports, £106m of which will be paid up front with the rest based on appearances and trophy-related bonuses.

Although Liverpool have tried to persuade Coutinho to stay, it's thought he is desperate to depart for the Nou Camp this month and isn't interested in discussing a pay rise to remain at Anfield. 

Meanwhile Jurgen Klopp told a news conference he has "nothing to say" about the matter ahead of his team's FA Cup Merseyside derby against Everton on Friday.

Klopp said: “Sometimes they are in the middle of the story and sometimes they are sat next to the guy in the dressing room who is in the middle of the story. 

“These young boys are used to this from a really early age and are used to ignoring things around them. If they are smart enough they ignore most of it. 

“All the stories around are no problem. This story is not around since yesterday. It has been around since the summer and did you at any moment get the impression this team is distracted because of transfer rumours? No. 

“We are focused on what we have an influence on. All the rest we have to ignore. It is clear there is a lot of excitement around.”

Thomas Lemar has been mentioned as a potential replacement, but Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim has dismissed talk of the midfielder leaving in January.