Transfer Centre

Ernesto Valverde unwilling to discuss Philippe Coutinho interest

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 01 December 2017

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.