Liverpool respond to approach from Euro giants for attacker, name asking price – report

Sun 2 July 2017 17:40, UK

By Danny Wright

Liverpool have responded to an approach from Paris St. Germain for attacker Philippe Coutinho by slapping a hefty price tag on him, according to a report.

The Mirror claims that the Reds have demanded the European giants stump up £87million for the Brazilian international in the hope that they fend off any interest.

It also understood that Barcelona are keen on the attacking midfielder, who is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted footballers currently playing in the Premier League.

Coutinho scored 14 goals and crafted nine assists in 36 appearances across all competitions last season, which has seen PSG reportedly made an enquiry for him as they look to strengthen their squad following their failed Ligue 1 title bid in 2016/17.

The 25-year-old is said to be Liverpool’s highest earner after he penned a long-term deal at Anfield earlier this year.

Ever since he arrived from Inter Milan in 2013, the 23-times Brazil international has played 181 times for Liverpool, netting 42 goals.

Football Insider Verdict

Jurgen Klopp has to strengthen his squad this summer as they prepare for life back in the Champions League following a solid 2016/17 Premier League campaign. There’s no way the German can afford to lose Coutinho, so slapping a huge price tag on him is definitely a good idea. If the Reds do receive a bid of £87million, that would probably give them enough funds to replace Coutinho, but their recruitment record in recent years has been sketchy. It’s best if they just don’t sell him at all unless he approaches the club’s chiefs to ask for a transfer. He probably won’t be in a title race with Liverpool next season, but he will with PSG or Barca.