Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona: Transfer ‘practically done’ with Liverpool to bank £142m

LIVERPOOL star Philippe Coutinho is closing in on a move to Barcelona which could cost the La Liga giants a hefty £142m.

At least that’s what Sport journalist Carme Barcelo has claimed while appearing as a guest on Spanish show El Chiringuito TV.

Coutinho is Barcelona’s top January transfer target after they failed to convince Liverpool to sell him last summer.

And the Catalan giants are expected to launch a formal bid to prise him away from Anfield in the coming days.

Liverpool are thought to be more willing to sit down with Barcelona to discuss a deal for Coutinho than they were last August.

And their priority was to come to an agreement sorted for Naby Keita, which would postpone Coutinho's departure until the summer.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and chief executive Oscar Grau, as well as the player himself, have insisted a deal goes through this month though.

And Barcelo has reflected that urgency by suggesting Coutinho is on the verge of agreeing terms with the La Liga giants.

She has also revealed how much the playmaker will set them back.

GETTY

Barcelona are desperate to take Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho to the Nou Camp

"Coutinho's [deal] is practically closed," she said on El Chiringuito TV.

"[The transfer] operation may end up costing about €160m (£142m)."

Coutinho will become the second most expensive player behind Neymar if Barcelona stump up that fee for him.

He’ll lose that position to Kylian MChiron guiltbappe in the summer though with Paris Saint-Germain poised to pay £160m for him.

Spanish outlet Don Balon say Barcelona are so confident of getting a deal over the line that they have a presentation date set.

Coutinho is tipped to formally complete his move on Monday, with an event to follow at the Nou Camp.

If the 25-year-old has any late doubts about the switch, his international team-mate Neymar will steer him towards Barcelona.

Don Balon claim the PSG talisman has constantly been messaging Coutinho to encourage him to head for Catalunya.

EL CHIRINGUITO TV

Carme Barcelo lifted the lid on Philippe Coutinho's move to Barcelona on El Chiringuito

Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona timeline

2013

30 Jan: Philippe Coutinho joins Liverpool from Inter Milan in an £8.5m deal.

2016

Summer: Barcelona first emerge as a serious suitor for Coutinho, although Paris Saint-Germain appear most likely to register their interest.

2017

6 Jan: Jurgen Klopp issues statement telling Barcelona to forget about signing Coutinho.

“We never had any ideas or plans or any talks about him leaving,” Klopp said.

25 Jan: Coutinho signs a new five-year contract at Liverpool. The deal is meant to end Barcelona’s interest in the Brazilian, who will earn £8m a season.

April: Liverpool insist Coutinho is not for sale at ANY price.