Coutinho set for Barca stay
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde claimed on Wednesday that Philippe Coutinho is set to stay at Camp Nou despite strong interest in the unsettled Brazilian from the Premier League.
The latest status update came after Croatian Ivan Rakitic score a 79th-minute winner to see off Napoli 2-1 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Former Liverpool forward Coutinho has distanced himself from a move to Tottenham -- he was also linked with Arsenal -- and with the transfer window in England closing Thursday, the chances of the 27 year-old returning to England appear slim.
Former Barca forward Neymar, currently at Paris St. Germain, has also been touted to make a sensational return to the La Liga champions, although it has now been suggested that arch rivals Real Madrid are also weighing up a move.
“The plan is to count on Coutinho,” Valverde stressed. “The transfer windows are open but we expect him to stay of course.
“And as for Neymar, the last time I came to this stadium I had to answer a load of questions about him. Two years later and it’s the same again. It’s like it’s following me. I don’t know what is going to happen.”
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