Liverpool Transfer News: Philippe Coutinho Latest, Frank De Boer Rumours

Barcelona have not made an enquiry for Liverpool’s star midfielder Philippe Coutinho, according to Sky Sports’ Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

Comments from current Blaugrana star Neymar suggesting his compatriot’s “style suits Barcelona” have set alarm bells ringing for Reds fans about a potential move from the Catalan giants for their No. 10. Former captain Steven Gerrard also recently revealed he was concerned about Barcelona and Real Madrid potentially trying to sign the 23-year-old.

But Balague noted there have been no discussions involving the player during a question and answer session with Sky Sports, per Revista de la Liga:

Coutinho certainly possesses the talent to play for a team such as Barcelona. Like the majority of players the Blaugrana go for, the Brazilian is a tremendous manipulator of the ball, can see a pass and is blessed with remarkable technical traits.

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Still, there are some areas of his game where the former Internazionale man needs to improve. As we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, while Coutinho is a player who can score spectacular goals, often his shooting from distance and finishing inside the penalty area is erratic:

At Liverpool, he’s the key man in Brendan Rodgers’ side, and although he’s endured a patchy beginning to the Premier League season, he is a player who will benefit from being handed such responsibility in the Reds’ starting lineup. But if Barcelona did come in with a big-money offer, you do wonder whether Liverpool would decide to cash in or not.

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It’d be a major blow given how well the Brazilian links up with striker Daniel Sturridge, as This Is Anfield touched upon during the Reds’ 3-2 win over Aston Villa last weekend:

Given Coutinho signed a new contract with the Reds earlier this year, there’s no pressure to sell him on any time soon. But he’s potentially a world-class player, and if Liverpool fail to qualify for the Champions League again next season, you do worry he may start to get itchy feet—especially if illustrious names are circling.

Frank de Boer Reveals Interest

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Ajax manager Frank de Boer has revealed he would be keen on taking over at Liverpool if the opportunity did arise, with pressure continuing to build on current boss Rodgers. 

Speaking with BBC World Service (h/t Dave Prentice of the Liverpool Echo), the Dutchman revealed he is hoping to head to the Premier League soon and suggested the Reds and Newcastle United would represent intriguing opportunities for him:

"

Yes, I think every year (moving to the Premier League) comes closer of course. I’m looking maybe for another adventure. If there is an interesting club that I think with my quality I can make that team better - if I can, than I will take that chance.

They are fantastic clubs. Liverpool and Newcastle - with supporters behind them - it is a fantastic environment to coach but this year it is important for me to do well at Ajax and then we will see.

"

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Rodgers seems to be teetering on the edge at Liverpool, as the team were roundly booed after their 1-1 draw against Sion at Anfield in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday. Still, the Northern Irishman remains unconcerned about getting the chop any time soon, even with this weekend’s Merseyside derby to come against an in-form Everton.

Bleacher Report’s Liverpool correspondent Matt Ladson thinks it’s inevitable Rodgers will be on his way soon:

"

Find it interesting that the longer FSG wait to sack Rodgers the more the attention turns on them. Digging themselves a hole.

— Matt Ladson (@mattladson) October 2, 2015"

De Boer is a manager who would most likely be in the frame should the hot seat become vacant at Anfield. After all, he’s a man who boasts immense pedigree from his playing days.

He clearly has a sharp mind, and having won four consecutive Eredivisie titles between 2010 and 2014 as Ajax boss, he is a manager ready for the next step.

As Prentice notes in his piece, he’s someone the Liverpool owners clearly admire, having approached him for the job in 2012 before eventually opting to go with Rodgers instead. Nevertheless, for now, the role’s current incumbent will be hopeful of turning things around, starting with a win at Goodison Park on Sunday.