Liverpool Transfer News: Top Rumours, Latest Players Eyed by Jurgen Klopp's Reds
Liverpool are reportedly ready to offer Philippe Coutinho a new contract to fend off interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs. Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are among those said to be interested in the Brazilian playmaker.
This is prompting Liverpool into action to commit the future of one of the squad's best players. To that end, the Reds will offer Coutinho an improved deal in the new year, according to Neil Moxley of the Sunday People (h/t the Mirror).
Moxley noted how the Anfield club is keen to avoid losing another mega star to Barcelona, after Liverpool saw talisman striker Luis Suarez sign for the Camp Nou side in 2014.
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Coutinho isn't quite as influential as Suarez was, with the latter's goals taking the Reds to the brink of the Premier League title during the 2013/14 season. Yet the Brazil international has still become a vital figure in manager Jurgen Klopp's plans.
His vision, artistry and intelligence are essential qualities in the fluid, quick-breaking and combination passing Klopp has preached on Merseyside. Coutinho has also become a useful source of goals, chipping in with more than his fair share of spectacular, long-range strikes.
He's already scored four times in all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com. Among those goals was a brilliant blast from distance to inspire a 4-3 away win over Arsenal on the opening day.
The strike was part of the long-range excellence Coutinho has established in England's top flight, per Squawka:
It's the kind of form PSG are responding to, according to reports from France. The Ligue 1 giants are even said to be ready to offer winger Lucas Moura to help convince Liverpool into a sale, per French outlet Le 10 Sport (h/t George Boulton of the Sun).
Still, it would be difficult for Klopp to part ways with the player who acts as the focal point of his squad's creative talents.
As Moxley pointed out, Klopp wants his key figures to mirror his own commitment to the Reds, with Adam Lallana expected to join Coutinho in being offered a new contract.
Reds Ready for Everton Battle Over Lille Ace
Liverpool aren't just interested in retaining players. The Anfield club also wants to add a talented young prospect, but one city rivals Everton and others are keen on.
Soualiho Meite is the prospect in question, according to Clive Hetherington of the Mirror. Liverpool, Everton and fellow Premier League club West Ham United are all showing interest in the 22-year-old Lille OSC powerhouse, who is on loan at Belgian side Zulte Waregem.
Meite is a France under-20 international who offers strength and athleticism at the heart of midfield. He's a physical presence, one who has tremendous energy and the ability to transition defence into attack in an instant.
Those are attributes Klopp is likely to admire. He wants his players to constantly press and harass when out of possession. The German loves to see his team break rapidly and get the ball into the final third as quickly as possible.
It's an approach demanding balance in midfield, but Klopp hasn't always found the right destroyer to underpin his forward-thinking playmakers. Lucas Leiva and Emre Can have struggled, so skipper Jordan Henderson most commonly operates at the base of midfield.
Meite could be the shrewd signing Klopp needs to provide the right foundation for his starting XI. But it will be just as important to keep his attacking contingent together, particularly its most influential members like Coutinho.
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