Liverpool round-up: Barcelona confident over Coutinho; Van Dijk expects to join; Markovic talks held

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In worrying news for Reds fans, Sky Sports report that Barcelona are confident that they will complete a move for Philippe Coutinho. They are hoping to bring the Brazilian to the Camp Nou regardless of what decision his close friend Neymar makes on a potential move to Paris Saint-Germain.

They believe that Liverpool would be reluctant to sell, but a bid worth £89 million would be enough to convince them to part with the number 10. Coutinho is a key player for the Reds and it is hard to see him being allowed to leave for any price, but such a substantial fee could be enough to test the club’s resolve.

In more positive news, Sky Sports also claim that sources close to defender Virgil Van Dijk believe that he will be a Liverpool player by the time the transfer window closes at the end of August. The Dutch international has been left out of the Saints squad for their tour to France after telling bosses that he wanted to leave.

Chelsea and Manchester City are both also monitoring the Southampton man but he is keen on a move to Anfield. It could be a drawn out affair with the Reds yet to make a bid since withdrawing their interest amid allegations of tapping up. However, it does seem increasingly likely that he could be playing under Jurgen Klopp come September.

One player who almost certainly won’t be is winger Lazar Markovic. Now, the Mirror say that Serie A side Fiorentina have entered into talks over the Serbian as the two clubs try to come to an agreement. That may not be easy as Liverpool are demanding a £16 million fee for the flop.

It is understandable given that they paid £20 million to sign the 23-year-old in 2014 when he joined from Benfica. Since then though, his value has plummeted after failing to impress at Anfield, or in loan spells at Sporting Libson, Fenerbahce or Hull City.