French outlet Le10Sport claim that Liverpool will be prepared to allow him to leave should they receive an offer worth £68 million at a minimum. Barcelona and Paris-Saint Germain are believed to be investigating the possibility of a deal but the club are hugely reluctant to even entertain any approaches.
However, the club fear that Coutinho’s agent may try to force a move and leave the club but with no option, and with such a high price tag the club are believed to be trying to make it clear to any potential suitors that they will not settle for any kind of bargain deal, regardless of how big a club they are.
The club have also acted off the field to appoint a sporting director, Michael Edwards, who has been promoted from technical director to the role, much to the delight of manager Jurgen Klopp, who said:
“This decision is hugely positive for us. It will make us better and stronger in managing the process of building and retaining playing talent at all age groups. Development is so important and it makes sense to have a position, within the football structure specifically, that focuses on where we can improve. It’s no secret I like the concept of a sporting director and having worked under this model previously I have found it to be nothing but positive and forward thinking. Michael is absolutely the right person for this. He has the knowledge, expertise and personality to flourish in the role and I was delighted when he told me he would be accepting the position.”
Edwards joined the club as a data analyst and has worked his way up the ranks, and was heavily influential in obtaining a deal in the sales of Christian Benteke and Joe Allen in the summer, with Klopp and Fenway Sports Group impressed by his smart negotiations.
One of his first tasks is likely to be to find a club for Mamadou Sakho, as the club now appear to be prepared to subsidise his wages if another team comes in for him on loan, with Stoke City and Lille amongst the many clubs believed to be monitoring his situation ahead of a January move, claim Squawka.
Sakho has been exiled by Klopp and is now restricted to appearances for the under 23s side, where he has done well but so far been unable to convince the manager that he deserves another shot in the first team.
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