Philippe Coutinho 'chooses Barcelona shirt number'

Philippe Coutinho has allegedly already selected his Barcelona shirt number as his nine-figure transfer from Liverpool edges closer.

The Reds withstood three bids for the Brazilian over the summer - including a top offer of £119m - but are understood to have finally relented and will allow him to leave for Camp Nou this month.

The two sides are said to be holding meetings this week in order to agree financial terms, with Liverpool demanding at least £133m for the 25-year-old, including a significant amount in cash up front.

Coutinho is reportedly of the understanding that he has already played his last game for Jurgen Klopp's side, and according to Diario Gol, he has now lined up his squad number at his new side.

The newspaper claims that Coutinho will wear the number seven shirt, which is currently occupied by Arda Turan but is expected to be made vacant this month when the Turkish attacker finds a new club.

Coutinho has scored 12 goals and created eight more in his 20 appearances for the Reds this season.