Coutinho transfer takes a whole new dimension

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London, August 26: The Philippe Coutinho saga is right now the hot potato in the transfer market and every day, it takes a whole new dimension.

Despite Liverpool rejecting as many as three bids for the Brazilian superstar from Barcelona, the rumour has hardly died down. Rather, the situation at Anfield has become more and more intense.

Latest reports suggest that the Brazilian international has asked Liverpool to not be included in their Champions League squad, so that he doesn't get cup-tied just in case he does sign for the Catalan outfit.

If the reports are true, it could make a massive difference to Liverpool's stance on refusing to sell Coutinho.

Jurgen Klopp expects the 25-year-old to remain a big part of his plans for this season, but asking to be left out of the Champions League squad could possibly change Klopp's mindset.

Barcelona are offering a lot of money and the player is literally going on strike against the club. Amidst this, keeping him forcefully could backfire for the Merseyside giants but from what we have seen so far, Liverpool might very well take the risk.

Sky Sports claim that Coutinho is still hopeful Barcelona are not ending interest in him in light of the news that the Spanish side have signed Ousmane Demeble from Borussia Dortmund.

Jurgen Klopp confirmed in his pre-match conference that Coutinho will again be unavailable for the Reds for their clash against Arsenal on Sunday with his back injury, which has kept him out for all of Liverpool's games this season so far.

If Liverpool were to sell Coutinho at this late stage in the transfer widow it will put a serious doubt in their hopes to find a suitable replacement.

Barcelona are rumoured to be making a fourth bid of £138m for the player. We have to wait for Liverpool's response to that.