Liverpool Make Statement About The Future Of Philippe Coutinho

It's only taken all summer but finally Liverpool looked to have ended Barcelona's intense pursuit of Philippe Coutinho.

Long before Neymar decided to cash in on himself paying Barcelona £198 million to release him from his own contract before casually walking out of the Camp Nou to head to PSG the Catalans have been linked with a move for Coutinho.

Then the Brazilian was going to be the man to persuade his fellow countryman to stay put and not fly off to the French capital and finally he became the man that Ernesto Valverde was hell bent on signing to replace Neymar.

_{He may have moved to Ligue 1 but he's still having a big effect on the transfer window. Image: PA}

Now though Liverpool and Fenway Sports Group have issued a statement insisting that no bids will be accepted for the Brazilian midfielder and that he will remain at Anfield when the window closes.

The short statement said: "We wish to offer clarity as regards our position on a possible transfer of Philippe Coutinho.

"The club's definitive stance is that no offers for Philippe will be considered and he will remain a member of Liverpool Football Club when the summer window closes."

The hands-off warning to La Liga giants Barcelona looks like it could kill of their interest.

It comes after Coutinho expressed his desire to join the Catalan side as they look to bolster their attack following the departure of Neymar to PSG for £190 million last week.

Philippe Coutinho

_{For much of the summer he has looked destined for La Liga. Image: PA}

But their £90million offer was rejected by Reds chiefs, who are adamant that Coutinho is going nowhere this summer. Jurgen Klopp's men kick off the new Premier League season on Saturday when they travel to Vicarage Road to take on Watford in the lunch-time kick-off.

Barcelona will now concentrate their efforts on signing Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund whilst a centre back is also top of their wish list to sign.

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