Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho chooses Barcelona shirt number ahead of transfer
PHILIPPE COUTINHO has chosen the shirt number he will wear for Barcelona if he completes a transfer from Liverpool this month.
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The Brazilian is wanted by the Catalan club with the Reds demanding upwards of £130m for their star man.
But Barcelona are confident of completing a deal and have decided his shirt number.
Spanish outlet Diario Gol report Coutinho will take the No.7 currently worn by Arda Turan.
The 25-year-old requested the number and Barca boss Ernesto Valverde is set to grant him his wish.
Earlier today Jurgen Klopp tried to cool talk on Coutinho leaving for Barcelona.
Barcelona’s likely line-up if Philippe Coutinho joins this month
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“All the things I could say now will only create stories”
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
“All the things I could say now will only create stories,” the Liverpool manager said.
“I have nothing to say about it. I opened the door halfway already because I mentioned it was the transfer window but there is nothing I can say about it which would help me, the player or the club.
“I really have nothing to say. Maybe 80 per cent of the cameras are here today for these answers – that’s a waste of time then.
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Coutinho was also ruled out of the FA Cup third round clash with Everton tomorrow night.
But the Brazilian could return for Liverpool against Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Klopp added: “I think he is in a bunch of players who should be available for the City game on 14 January.”