MX23RW : Friday, December 20 18:05:46| >> :120:4180:4180:

Ernesto Valverde unwilling to discuss Philippe Coutinho interest

Valverde unwilling to discuss Coutinho
© SilverHub
Ernesto Valverde says that now is not the time to discuss Barcelona's rumoured interest in Philippe Coutinho, who has once again been linked with a Camp Nou switch.

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has stressed that he is only focused on the players available to him, amid fresh links with a move for Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazil international was widely expected to finalise a switch to Camp Nou in the summer, having handed in a transfer request to help push through a move.

Barca had three bids rejected for their top midfield target but, according to reports in Spain earlier this week, they are now close to striking a deal with Liverpool ahead of the winter window.

Asked about any update on the proposed transfer, however, Valverde once again remained tight-lipped by telling reporters: "The problem is we've been speaking about players for a long time who are not part of the club. There was a lot of talk during the close season.

"Right now, we can't sign anybody, so let's concentrate on what we've got now. It's damaging to us to discuss these things when the market is closed. When we get to the market, I probably won't want to discuss these things, either!

"At the moment, Coutinho is not one of my players. I want to worry about my players and the game we have [against Celta Vigo on Saturday]."

Coutinho has contributed to nine goals in 11 Champions League and Premier League outings for Liverpool this season.

ID:313142: cacheID:313142:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2408:
Written by
Daniel Lewis
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Willian celebrates scoring the Blues' first during the Premier League game between Chelsea and Sunderland on May 21, 2017
Read Next:
Barca identify Willian as backup target?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Broncos
27-34
Chargers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!