Barcelona fear Liverpool will price Coutinho out of reach

Barcelona fear Liverpool will price Philippe Coutinho out of their reach and land a huge blow to their summer transfer plans, claims AS.

Ernesto Valverde’s side have rekindled their interest in Coutinho after accepting defeat in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti.

The Brazil international has reportedly already agreed personal terms with Barcelona and even personally asked Jurgen Klopp to sanction the sale, but the Spanish giants aren’t optimistic of getting a deal over the line.

Coutinho has established himself as one of Liverpool’s most important players in recent seasons and Klopp has already ruled out his departure this summer, although that hasn’t completely ended Barcelona’s pursuit.

Nevertheless, the 25-year-old may prove out of Barcelona’s financial reach and there are real fears Liverpool will demand a staggering fee to price their Spanish counterparts out of a move.

The Liverpool No.10 played a direct hand 20 goals in 31 league appearances for Klopp’s side last season - his best season to date.

In the last two seasons only Lionel Messi (15) has scored more goals from outside the penalty area than Coutinho (10) in Europe’s top five leagues.