Liverpool round-up: Barcelona won’t rule out Coutinho move; talks held with Inter Milan; Klopp hints at late transfers

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Barcelona club president Josep Bartomeu has refused to rule out a summer move for Philippe Coutinho. Amid intense speculation in the past few days, Bartomeu spoke to ESPN TV, as quoted by Sport and the Independent, refusing to comment on the speculation. He said:

“He’s a Liverpool player and I have a lot of respect for Liverpool. What we do in the summer is to be very discreet about everything, so we cannot confirm or deny anything… More payers will come, one in midfield, definitely.”

With Coutinho’s close friend Neymar now expected to leave the Camp Nou in the next few weeks, there are suggestions that the Liverpool number ten may be one of the Catalan’s top targets to replace the forward. Even if they do make a move, it seems highly unlikely that the Reds would consider selling.

Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad believe that the Reds are in talks with Inter Milan over a potential move for 18-year-old centre-back Zinho Vanheusden. The Belgian under-19 international is yet to make his debut for the Italian team but is very highly rated. As such, the San Siro club are very reluctant to allow him to leave.

Southampton are also keen, with Chelsea and Tottenham also believed to have scouted the youngster whilst on international duty. Central defence is a weak spot for the Reds and whilst he may not make an immediate impact, he could provide a long term solution for Jurgen Klopp.

However, Klopp has insisted that he is not under any pressure to conclude transfer business quickly. The German is quoted by the Express as revealing that decisions on potential loan moves for the likes of Joe Gomez and Sheyi Ojo will not be rushed. He said:

“We will see what other clubs want and what we want. I don’t have the need to make those decisions early. If it’s a loan we have to be in the decisions with the player and his family. I don’t have the need to make those decisions early. The transfer window is still open for a long time… People will ask and we will think about it. If it makes sense then we’ll do it. Otherwise the boys will stay here.”

Gomez in particular has impressed in pre-season and Klopp may be in two minds as to whether to keep him at Anfield as a squad option. The exits may also depend upon signings, with Klopp keen to add another defender to his squad.