Liverpool transfer news: Philippe Coutinho decides his future, De Vrij contract situation and more - 20th November 2017
Barcelona agree personal terms with Philippe Coutinho
The Philippe Coutinho saga takes an interesting turn as reports now suggest that Barcelona have agreed personal terms with the Brazilian in a secret meeting held behind closed doors with the player's agent last week. Spanish outlet Sport were the first ones to break the news and several English tabloids have also followed suit.
Coutinho is set to earn around £10.6 million over the course of 5 years at the Nou Camp according to the reports and is apparently willing to even force his way out of Anfield during the January transfer window, if necessary.
Liverpool were the subjects to three bids from Barcelona in the summer over the possible transfer of their star player but the Reds rebuffed the deal, despite Coutinho being keen on a move to La Liga. However, Barcelona have already taken the next step and will offer a fee around the region of €150 million to try and tempt Liverpool to give the green signal.
Stefan De Vrij is unsure about his future
Lazio defender Stefan De Vrij has revealed that he is still unsure about his contract renewal with the Serie A high-flyers, amidst persistent interest from Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool. The Dutchman was linked with the Reds in the summer but the deal failed to materialize after the club identified Virgin van Dijk as their priority signing.
With all that has happened in the van Dijk saga and Southampton's ridiculously high asking price for the star player, reports are now suggesting that Liverpool have shifted their interests to De Vrij who could be on the move in January.
"I always try to improve and I'll do the same in 2018. As for the contract renewal, I don't know what's going to happen," the defender told media outlets in Italy. De Vrij has been one of Lazio's most effective players this season and has been previously linked with the likes of Manchester United, Juventus and Inter Milan.
Danny Ings could be on his way out of Anfield
Danny Ings is reportedly attracting interest from a few suitors in the Premier League, according to reports and Sky Sports, Alan Pardew is leading the race to acquire the service of the Liverpool outcast. Ings joined Liverpool back in 2015 after impressing with Burnley but his time at the club has been disappointing due to recurring knee problems.
The striker returned to action for the Reds in their 1-1 draw with Everton in the derby and also played a part in their thumping 4-0 win at Bournemouth in the weekend. However, Jurgen Klopp revealed that it will be hard for him to nail down minutes after falling down the pecking order at Anfield.
"Danny is fit, but the others are good as well and that makes it a bit difficult for Danny," Klopp said. "He's always asking for minutes. It makes more sense for him to play 90 minutes for the U23s than a few minutes with us. But on Sunday I thought it was a good idea to involve him," he added.
West Brom have managed to score just 13 goals all season and Alan Pardew admitted that the club is willing to seek reinforcements in January. "The team is looking for a spark from an offensive player, a little bit of something special," he said. "I'd be foolish to say I don't like Danny Ings because I quite like him. It's a shame about his injury - he's had to battle back and everyone wishes him well," Pardew commented.