Liverpool have been rocked by Barcelona’s demands that they include a Philippe Coutinho clause in any deal for young winger Adama Traore, according to reports.
Anfield officials have apparently been in Spain recently to negotiate the transfer of 19-year-old Traore, who is due on Merseyside for a medical this week, claims the Metro.
But the move could yet be scrapped because Liverpool are concerned that Barcelona want to include a first-refusal option on Coutinho in the final terms.
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The Brazilian playmaker has developed into an indispensable figure at Liverpool and stepped up another gear last season as he was nominated for PFA Player of the Year despite the club’s struggles.
The 23-year-old, technically exceptional and creatively outstanding, although shy of Premier League goals, seemingly has admirers at Barcelona, who previously raided the Reds for Luis Suarez in 2014.
Should Barcelona insist on this provision, Liverpool are unlikely to go through with their swoop for Traore, who would be a luxury signing for Brendan Rodgers rather than a necessary one.
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