Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Philippe Coutinho and Denis Cheryshev Rumours

Liverpool legend John Barnes has claimed he won’t be distraught if Liverpool were to part with star midfielder Philippe Coutinho in the near future.

In his column for Titanbet, Barnes looked at all things to do with the Reds, including the recent appointment of new manager Jurgen Klopp. But it’s his comments on Coutinho that will be most intriguing to the Anfield faithful:

"

While much of the talk has been about Klopp coming in, there is a little bit of speculation surrounding Philippe Coutinho. Barcelona are the side showing an interest, which is a worry given that the club have lost the likes of Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano, Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling in recent memory to clubs in Champions League action. 

Can Klopp keep him at the club? I think the issue is bigger than the manager, with the ambitions of the player always the vital factor. Coutinho is a fantastic footballer, but if he wants to go I won’t be hugely disappointed. It’s his decision.

"

Handout/Getty Images

As reported by Charles Perrin of the Daily Express, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City have all previously been linked to the Brazil international, who Liverpool supporters affectionately call the “little magician.” You suspect the majority of fans wouldn’t necessarily agree with Barnes’ assessment either.

At his best, Coutinho makes this Liverpool team bristle with creative intent. The Brazilian was given license to go and impact matches under the tutelage of former boss Brendan Rodgers and has established himself as one of the very best young playmakers in the game.

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

However, he’s not been quite up to his usual standards so far this season, as Bleacher Report’s Karl Matchett noted here recently:

The hopes among Kopites will be that Klopp can get the very best out of Coutinho, as he did with similarly intricate players such as Shinji Kagawa and Mario Gotze during his days as Borussia Dortmund boss. But it’d only be natural for the midfielder to have his head turned should a name like Barcelona or Real Madrid show interest.

Liverpool supporters will be wanting the club to show a renewed sense of ambition and make massive efforts to keep hold of their best players. After all, Coutinho signed a new contract earlier this year, meaning even if any big club comes in, the club will be under no pressure to sell up.

Liverpool Looking at Denis Cheryshev

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

According to fichajes.net (h/t Mark Brus of Metro), Liverpool are set to move for Real Madrid winger Denis Cheryshev in the January window in an attempt to bolster their options in wide positions.

As reported by Brus, Cheryshev has only played 13 minutes so far this season under the tutelage of new manager Rafael Benitez. He has found it hard to get time on the pitch with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Isco and James Rodriguez battling for similar positions in the starting XI.

Last season the Russia international impressed on loan with Villarreal. Here’s a look back at what he achieved when he got minutes on the field:

Liverpool could definitely do with an orthodox wide player. After the summer sale of Raheem Sterling, young Jordon Ibe seems to be the only natural fit in that position and as a result, the team’s attacking forays have occasionally looked a little one-dimensional. 

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Cheryshev has the attributes to alter that. As we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, the 24-year-old is very much an all-round player:

It seems to be pretty clear that Cheryshev will not be getting into the Los Blancos starting XI any time soon. While he is a quality operator, to oust some of the names aforementioned looks an almost impossible ask and for the sake of the Russian’s development, a January transfer must surely be on the cards.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Liverpool would be ideal suitors. The winger would surely relish the chance to get a fresh start at an illustrious club like the Reds and hopefully a more realistic chance of showing what he’s capable of producing at the highest level.