GETTY Barcelona transfer news: Philippe Coutinho is desperate to leave Liverpool

Coutinho was absent as Liverpool beat Hoffenheim 2-1 in the first leg of their Champions League play-off in Germany last night.



The Brazilian playmaker was ruled out with a back problem having handed in a transfer request via email on Friday.



Liverpool continue to insist Coutinho is not for sale despite reports in Spain claiming that Barcelona are close to signing him.



And Spanish sports paper Mundo Deportivo say Coutinho is ready to tell Liverpool he will not play for them again if they don’t let him leave.



It is claimed the 25-year-old is willing to risk his place in the Brazil team at the 2018 World Cup in Russia next summer in order to do so.

Philippe Coutinho looks glum arriving for Liverpool training at Melwood Tue, August 15, 2017 Philippe Coutinho looks glum arriving for Liverpool training amid talk of his potential move to Barcelona after handing in a transfer request Play slideshow CHRIS NEILL/MAVERICK PHOTOGRAPHY 1 of 7 Neither Philippe Coutinho or Daniel Sturridge looked happy arriving for training

Mundo Deportivo add Coutinho has already told Jurgen Klopp he does not plan to pull on a Liverpool shirt ever again.



Barcelona have had bids of £72million and £90m rejected by the Reds but are expected to come back in with an £100m-plus offer.



But the Spanish giants seem to be hoping Coutinho pushes for a move enough to force Liverpool into selling.



Philippe Coutinho was pictured looking glum as he arrived at the club’s Melwood training ground yesterday while his team-mates prepared to face Hoffenheim.



The Catalan press have been suggesting a deal is close for a number of days but despite the player’s intention to move Spanish football expert Guillem Balague thinks otherwise.

GETTY Barcelona transfer news: Philippe Coutinho has yet to play for Liverpool this season