Liverpool round-up: Coutinho deal sealed by Sunday; Keita swoop hope; Moreno could stay

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Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo have sensationally claimed that Barcelona are hoping to tie up a move for Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho before the prestigious Joan Gamper pre-season friendly against Brazilian outfit Chapecoense. They say that the 25-year-old will cost the Catalans €100 million (£89 million).

It is the latest report from Spain to suggest that a move is close for Coutinho to return to Barcelona, having previously played on loan in the city at RCD Espanyol under Mauricio Pochettino. That goes against the majority of reports close to the Reds who claim there is no chance of a deal.

That would see the club adopt a similar strategy to that chosen by Red Bull Leipzig regarding Liverpool target Naby Keita. Now, sporting director Ralf Rangnick has claimed that there is no guarantee that the 22-year-Old will sign a new contract as he told SportBild, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo:

“I am not currently assuming that we will be able to extend his contract prematurely. I can assure you that Naby is playing with us this season. All other scenarios also depend on how we do this season, how Naby plays himself and so on.”

That could enable Liverpool to capitalise on a reported £48 million buy-out clause in his existing contract, which will only come into force next summer.

Another deal which looked highly likely may be off the cards in the sale of Alberto Moreno. The Spaniard was in inspired form as he starred against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night and Jurgen Klopp hinted that he may have earned a fresh chance at Anfield. The Mirror quote him as saying:

“If he plays like he did today then yeah [he has a chance of playing]. It was a really good game by Alberto. That’s why we kept him playing every second. He was playing better, he’s really fit. He had a little problem with his thigh but we had a test with him in the morning and he was okay. The players decide themselves how many games they play.”

Moreno has been subject to interest from England, Spain and Italy this summer but no club has yet the valuation put on him by Liverpool.