OPINION
Liverpool could face an uphill battle in their pursuit to re-sign Philippe Coutinho after it was reported that Barcelona have offered the Brazil international to Tottenham.
TalkSPORT reported on Tuesday afternoon that Liverpool, Spurs, Manchester United and Arsenal all want to sign Coutinho, 27, on loan before the English transfer window slams shut on Thursday afternoon.
However an update by ESPN claims that not only are Arsenal not interested in the former Liverpool playmaker, but he has actually been offered to both Spurs and Man United.
That could be an issue for Liverpool in their quest to re-sign the attacker, especially as the broadcaster claims that he shares a strong relationship with Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, who managed him back in his time at Espanyol.
Sky Sports reported in June that out of respect to his former club Liverpool, Coutinho would not move to Old Trafford before the start of next season.
So with Arsenal reportedly not interested and Man United out of the reckoning, it seems like a straight battle between Liverpool and Tottenham to land the former Inter Milan star.
Christian Eriksen might have to leave Spurs before Pochettino can sign the Barcelona player and Man United are said to be interested in the Dane.
As Man United cannot sign Coutinho due to his previous allegiance to Liverpool, they may well press on with trying to sign Coutinho and that could open up a spot Pochettino’s squad for the Brazilian.
It’s a concern for Liverpool if they really do want to seal an Anfield return for their former playmaker.
