Talks between Liverpool and Barcelona are underway for the transfer of Philippe Coutinho according to the Spanish side’s sporting director Robert Fernandez, reports The Mirror.

This is one transfer that is going to test all the parties. It would test the resolve of Liverpool to keep their best playmaker. It would test the strength of Barcelona to attract players and their ability to sign the players who are eager to join them.

The Catalans were stung by the world-record transfer of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain and are eager to soften that blow by going for Coutinho. The Catalans have done no favors to themselves by posting contrasting messages.

Barcelona general manager Pep Segura was quoted as saying that the Catalans are “close” to securing deals for Coutinho from Liverpool and Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund.

This, after Fernandez himself, has previously claimed that a deal for Coutinho is “ very difficult” because the player has no release clause in his contract. As quoted by the Mirror, Fernandez said:

“We are negotiating and that is the truth. With all respect to both clubs, logically in a negotiation you need time to reach agreements for them and for us.

“We still have days ahead and we would like to go forward with this. It is true and I recognise this, that they are two players (Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele) we feel like bringing here.”

The situation is far from ideal as it resembles a perfect deadlock. Coutinho has submitted an official transfer request but the Reds have maintained their stance that the player would not be sold at any price. The Brazilian is a very important player for Jurgen Klopp who has often reminded of his desire to build the side around him.

Barca is under tremendous pressure from their own fans after falling to Real Madrid in the Super Cup competition. More than the defeat, the manner of the loss stung the fans who are demanding new signings.

What to make of this situation? Barcelona are desperate to sign the player and there are no two thoughts about that. Liverpool can’t wait for the transfer window to shut so that they can get the player back to playing. It is not ideal for Coutinho at the moment either as he is stuck between two clubs both eager to have him.

The Reds’ fans will hope that the Barca director’s optimism just remains that and not translates into reality.

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