Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho hands in transfer request amid FC Barcelona chase

Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho has submitted an official transfer request following FC Barcelona’s failed attempts to sign the midfielder.

The 25-year-old, who has 27 international caps for Brazil, is wanted by the La Liga giants to replace countryman Neymar after his world-record £200m switch to Paris Saint-Germain this summer transfer window.

Coutinho, who scored 14 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions for The Reds last season, was the subject of two failed bids from Barca, with the second offer worth up to £90m.

Despite Fenway Sports Group (Liverpool’s owners) releasing a statement on Friday morning quoting that “the club’s definitive stance is that no offers for Philippe will be considered and he will remain a member of Liverpool Football Club when the summer window closes“, the player has become frustrated with how The Reds have dealt with Barcelona’s approaches and issued a transfer request.

Coutinho wants out of Liverpool.

Sky Sports News are reporting that Barcelona are willing to stump up a whopping £110m for the Brazilian’s services, whilst BBC Sport understand Coutinho ‘stated his desire to leave Anfield via email’.

The central midfielder joined Liverpool back in 2013 following his £8.5m switch from Inter Milan, and he signed a new five-and-a-half-year deal back in January, that did not include a release clause.