With Neymar's potential £200 million move from Barcelona to PSG gathering pace this week, Camp Nou chiefs are set to turn their attentions towards the Brazilian forward's replacement, with Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho at the top of their list.
Last week, reports emerged stating that Coutinho had 'agreed terms' with the Catalan club, although the 25-year-old still remains a Liverpool player, having taken part in the club's recent pre-season tour of Asia, with Barcelona's initial offer of £75 million for the playmaker being rejected.
Liverpool are believed to be demanding £89 million for Coutinho's signature, which would be a price tag Barcelona would have no problem meeting should they receive £200 million for Neymar, yet may also explain why the deal taking the Brazilian playmaker from Merseyside to Catalonia has stalled, with Barca presumably waiting until any deal for Neymar is complete before splashing out £90 million for his replacement.
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Despite strong interest from Barcelona, Coutinho has delivered the goods during Liverpool's pre-season tour of Asia. Image: PA
According to the Mirror Liverpool are preparing for Coutinho to inform them of his intention to join Barca and, should a deal be agreed between the Reds and Barca, then manager Jurgen Klopp would want Borussia Dortmund prodigy Christian Pulisic.
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The American teenager has risen to prominence over the last 12 months, enjoying a breakthrough campaign with Dortmund last season, making 41 appearances and scoring five goals. At international level, the 18-year-old winger has enjoyed similar success, scoring seven times in 16 appearances for the US national team.
18-year-old Pulisic has already been a success at club and international level. Images: PA
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Klopp has wanted to bring Pulisic to Anfield since he became Liverpool manager in 2015, with the Reds consistently linked with the American attacker, ever since. It was Klopp who originally brought Pulisic to Dortmund in February 2015, as a 16-year-old and the Liverpool manager is hoping this history can help get a deal over the line for the youngster from Hershey, Pennsylvania should Coutinho decide to swap Anfield for the Camp Nou.
Of course, replacing Coutinho at Anfield would be an immense amount of pressure to heap onto an 18-year-old with no previous Premier League experience, but given Klopp's man management skills, Pulisic could eventually thrive as one of Liverpool's most vital players, should a deal be completed to bring him to Merseyside.
(H/T The Mirror)
Topics: Football, Philippe Coutinho, Borussia Dortmund, Christian Pulisic, Liverpool FC