Coutinho agrees personal terms with Barcelona after telling Liverpool he wants to quit – report
By Harry Sykes
Philippe Coutinho has agreed personal terms with Barcelona after telling Liverpool he wants to join the Spanish giants, according to a report.
Catalan newspaper SPORT claim the Brazilian playmaker has his heart set on moving to Camp Nou this summer after being identified as the ideal replacement for PSG-bound Neymar.
It is said that Barcelona officials have met with Coutinho’s representatives in London and agreed the terms of a five-year contract.
SPORT report that the 25-year-old would earn a lower basic salary but there would be significant bonuses based on the success of the team.
Talks to secure the deal are at an advanced stage even though a fee has not been agreed between Liverpool and Barcelona.
Barcelona do not want to over-pay for Coutinho even though they are set to bank a world-record fee for Neymar if he completes a move to Paris.
SPORT claim that the Catalan club will offer no more than £76million for the 23-times Brazil international.
Coutinho has been the subject of intense speculation about his future in recent weeks amid reports that Barcelona are willing to pay huge money for him as a replacement for Neymar.
The Anfield ace skippered Liverpool as they beat Hertha Berlin 3-0 in a friendly on Saturday evening and fans took to Twitter to wax lyrical about his display.
He did not appear to be affected as he produced another masterclass to ease concerns that his head may have been turned by the interest of the Spanish giants.
Coutinho delivered a sensational pass for the third goal by Mohamed Salah as he played 66 minutes of the encounter at the Olympiastadion before making way for youngster Ryan Kent.
The first two goals for Jurgen Klopp’s side had been scored by Dominic Solanke and Georginio Wijnaldum as Liverpool continued their excellent pre-season form on their three-game tour of Germany.
In other Liverpool transfer news, Barcelona are to offer two players in part-exchange for £134million Philippe Coutinho.
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