Liverpool transfer round-up: Barcelona turn away from Coutinho, Werner praises Liverpool and more - 14th September 2017

Barcelona turn away from Coutinho in January

According to Spanish newspaper, Sport, who reported the Coutinho saga all summer, Barcelona are not looking to sign Coutinho in January. Instead, the Catalans will be turning their focus towards OGC Nice's Jean Michael Seri.

The Ivory Coast midfielder looked set to join Barcelona in the summer but the deal did not materialize in the end. The Spanish giants apparently agreed on a £36 million fee with the French club and expect the deal to be easier to complete.

Thus, Liverpool can feel better that a saga can be avoided in the midst of the season and the Reds anyways look set to let the Brazilian leave next summer.

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Werner endorses Keita's move, commends Liverpool

Timo Werner complimented Liverpool while endorsing Naby Keita's move

The Liverpool and Real Madrid target spoke to SportBild on his future:

“I can’t promise I’ll be here next season. I’ve been doing well with Leipzig but it’s clear that I’d like to play for a big club in the future, although maybe Leipzig will become a big club soon."

Talking about top clubs, the German striker listed out ten clubs:

“In Spain there are a maximum of three clubs with Barça, Real and Atlético Madrid. In England there is a bit more: Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City."

The RB Leipzig striker said there was no bad blood with Naby Keita, who is set to join Liverpool in the summer of 2018. The 21-year old kept his door open for an Anfield shift by saying:

"There’s no anger to him (Keita). Liverpool is a big club with a great stadium and super fans, plus it’s a huge transfer.”

Klopp remains interested in the striker but the lack of a release clause does make things difficult for any team vying for Werner's signature.

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Liverpool looking at Stefan de Vrij on a free transfer

Stefan de Vrij is out of contract next summer

Jurgen Klopp is looking to address the defensive issues once and for all by going for two Dutchmen. While the Reds are set to bid for Southampton's Virgil van Dijk in the January transfer window, Liverpool need more than one centre-back at the moment.

Reports in Italy state that the English club are looking to sign Lazio's Stefan de Vrij on a free transfer next summer. The Dutch defender is out of contract next summer and he can initiate talks with foreign clubs from January.

Thus, Liverpool could be looking to reinforce their defence properly once and for all in 2018.