Klopp dismisses imminent Coutinho departure

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has dismissed claims that Philippe Coutinho is close to a move to Barcelona.

The Reds rejected two bids from Barca, one being a €100m offer, before releasing a statement suggesting there would be no offers accepted, leaving Coutinho to hand in a transfer request soon after.

Reports from Barca's camp suggesting the Brazilian is nearing a move to Spain, with Barca general manager Pep Segura telling Catalan TV channel TV3: "We are close to Coutinho and (Ousmane) Dembele.

"We are discussing their deals but do not know when it will be done."

Despite the reports, Klopp dismissed any claims the playmaker is close to a move to Spain, insisting Liverpool and Barca are not even in negotiations.

"I saw the game (Real-Barcelona) but I forgot to watch the interviews afterwards. Nothing to say from our side," said Klopp.

"I don't know why other people are saying what they are saying; I don't even know them - especially this guy, I've never even met him."

Coutinho is currently out with a back injury and when asked about the 25-year-old's attitude, Klopp insisted he cannot answer because the midfielder has not been training.

"To be honest I have nothing to say about his attitude because since he has had a back problem he has obviously not been in training," he added.

"I asked the medical department how he is doing and there are no complaints so that is how it is. There is nothing bad to say about this.

"We are all not silly. We know it is a very difficult situation but there is nothing new to say.

"It is not always easy for me to say the 100% truth - even though I don't like to like - but it is exactly how I say it because that is how it is in the moment, nothing else."

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