Liverpool have been handed some positive news amid ongoing speculation over Barcelona’s interest in swooping for Philippe Coutinho this summer.
The Catalan giants received a whopping €222m for the sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain last month, as per BBC Sport, and in turn appear to have significant funds available to find a replacement for the Brazilian international.
Two names have emerged as the most likely candidates, with Coutinho and Borussia Dortmund ace Ousmane Dembele both being heavily linked with a move to the Nou Camp.
Liverpool have remained adamant that Coutinho is going nowhere but undoubtedly remain under pressure to keep their influential playmaker as various reports have suggested that he wants to move to Barca, but will not force the switch as it would risk damaging his relationship with Liverpool and the supporters.
According to Spanish football journalist and expert Graham Hunter, the Reds are likely to keep him and fend off Barcelona, as the La Liga outfit can’t afford to sign both Dembele and Coutinho, with the former now seemingly at the front of the queue.
“They have spent huge money on new contracts for Suarez, Messi, Busquets and Rakitic. I do not believe they can afford Coutinho and Dembele,” Hunter told BBC 5 Live, while adding that he would put Dembele at the top of their shortlist.
That will be music to the ears of Liverpool fans who are desperate to see Coutinho stay, as it looks as though despite receiving that huge transfer fee for Neymar, Barca have a decision to make and Dembele is arguably the more realistic option which leaves Coutinho at Anfield for another year at least.