Barcelona closing in on Coutinho deal, say reports

Barcelona are reportedly close to buying Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho for a club record fee as the Catalan look to fill the void left by Neymar's world record move to Paris Saint-Germain. The Spanish giant already had an interest in Coutinho prior to Neymar's 222m euro ($262m) transfer to Paris last week. And Barca-based newspaper Sport reported a deal for the 25-year-old is "a question of hours" with Barca officials in England on Tuesday to thrash out a deal.

BREAKING: Source close to Philippe Coutinho says he would like to move to @FCBarcelona if a deal can be done amicably with @LFC pic.twitter.com/6TWEkjZdyd

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 7, 2017

Both Sport and ESPN Deportes claimed Barca will pay an initial 90m euro fee. However, according to ESPN, bonuses could take the total value of the deal to 120m euros. Barca believe the Brazilian international has the ability to not only replace Neymar alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in a star front three, but could also provide cover for 33-year-old captain Andres Iniesta in midfield.

Philippe Coutinho in the Premier League: Most goals scored by a Brazilian (34) Most assists by a Brazilian (29) Samba magic. ?? pic.twitter.com/Bv6chMrJXX— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 7, 2017

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told Barca "to save their energy" last week, claiming the player wasn't for sale. However, he was left out of Liverpool's squad for a friendly win over Athletic Bilbao in Dublin at the weekend. Coutinho already has La Liga experience on the other side of Barca as he enjoyed a successful six-month loan spell at Espanyol in 2012.

Carragher: "If Liverpool lose Philippe Coutinho this summer, there will be riots. The fans will turn on the owners."

— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) August 7, 2017

He then joined Liverpool in January 2013 for just £8.5m. In 182 appearances for the English giant, Coutinho has scored 42 goals. He has also established himself as a regular starter for Brazil since Tite's appointment as coach last year, scoring seven times in 28 international appearances.