Liverpool ‘have shock pact with Philippe Coutinho’ as controversial Jurgen Klopp revelation is made

Liverpool news and gossip round-up: Reds on alert over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Emre Can takes aim at defence and Jose Mourinho begins the mind games

Philippe Coutinho was subject of a summer-long pursuit from the La Liga giants (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool have reportedly agreed to sell playmaker Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in the January transfer window… according to reports in the Catalan press.

The Brazilian was subjected to a summer-long pursuit from the La Liga giants with Liverpool turning down three bids – with the biggest in excess of £110m.

The latest report From Mundo Deportivo suggests the Reds made a pact with the 25-year-old to sell him as long as they receive a “reasonable offer” when the winter transfer window opens.

Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has reportedly turned down a contract offer from Dortmund, according to reports in Italy, putting the likes of AC Milan, Liverpool and their Premier League rivals Chelsea on alert.

Back at home, Emre Can has taken aim at Liverpool’s defence, blaming the back four’s performances for a string of inconsistent results.

“It’s definitely a fact that we have recently defended badly and conceded too many goals,” the midfielder told Bild.

“But I still believe that when we scored goals, we won the games. Then nobody was speaking about the defence.

“The coach himself says we didn’t play badly. We almost dominated the opponents in all games and were the better team. Jurgen Klopp is convinced that only the necessary luck is missing to return to winning.

“At Liverpool, however, nobody questions the coach. Jurgen Klopp is a top, top trainer.”

Speaking of Klopp, the German manager originally wanted to take over at Manchester United, according to his former mentor Eckhard Krautzun.

“I’m not surprised he does so well,” he told The Set Pieces.

“It would be his dream to go to England one day and his favourite club would be United. That’s what he said.”

And finally… United manager Jose Mourinho has stepped up the mind games ahead of the clash at Anfield on Saturday by claiming Liverpool can win the title.

“They can win the title,” he told Sky Sports.

“Why not? Very good team, good players, good investment.

“Amazing history, desire of success, amazing Anfield, great supporters always behind the team in a strong way.”