Liverpool transfer news and rumours: Philippe Coutinho, Mateo Kovacic, Benedikt Howedes
Wednesday 23 August 2017 11:02, UK
We round up the latest Liverpool transfers rumours from around the British and European press on Wednesday, August 23.
Barcelona are preparing a fourth bid for Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho that could rise to £138m.
Contrary to reports which claimed Barca had given up hope of signing Coutinho, Sky sources understand the Catalan club are preparing to test Liverpool's resolve with an initial payment of £101m up front - with £37m in bonuses.
One source in Spain told Sky Sports News: "Philippe has never been more determined to leave Liverpool.
"To suggest Barca are thinking of backing out and calling it a day, is absolute nonsense. They're all in now; their cards are on the table and they'll never give up the fight."
The £37m in add-ons are understood to be linked to Champions League appearances and would be expected to be easily achievable, were he to move to the Nou Camp.
Liverpool's stance on Coutinho mirrors that of RB Leipzig who, earlier in the transfer window, refused to accept several bids for Naby Keita.
Having been unable to lure the Guinea international to Anfield, the Daily Express claims the Reds have turned their attention to Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
Real have no intention of letting the Croatia international leave the Bernabeu though, despite interest from Liverpool and Serie A champions Juventus.
Another player who Liverpool have so far failed to sign this summer is Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.
With the Saints adamant the Dutchman will not sold this summer, Jurgen Klopp has highlighted Benedikt Howedes as an alternative, according to the Daily Star.
The 29-year-old has spent over a decade at Schalke, making for than 300 appearances, and was part of Germany's World Cup winning squad in 2014.
