Philippe Coutinho 'approves of Liverpool loan transfer'

Philippe Coutinho has given his approval to a sensational offer from Liverpool to take him on loan from Barcelona , according to reports.

Coutinho has been linked with a move after struggling to nail down a place last season - with Manchester United having been touted as a possible destination.

Antoine Griezmann's arrival at Barcelona appears to have narrowed Coutinho's Barcelona chances further, although the fact that the Frenchman was given the number 17 shirt rather than the number seven was seen by many fans as a sign that the Brazilian midfielder would be staying at Camp Nou.

However, speculation continues over a Coutinho exit, with the 27-year-old having been touted as a makeweight in a deal to lure Neymar back to Barcelona from Paris-Saint Germain.

But now, European champions Liverpool appear to have joined the race - and a return to working under Jurgen Klopp is thought to be a tempting prospect for Coutinho.

Philippe Coutinho would favour a move to Liverpool over any other Premier League club (Getty Images)

Coutinho has given his backing to an offer from Liverpool to take him on a two-year loan with the option to buy at £88million, according to Calciomercato .

Coutinho's agent Kia Joorabchian has already hinted that the Brazilian would find it difficult to play for any other Premier League club than Liverpool, who he left to join Barcelona for £142million in January 2018.

Joorabchian said: "I think Liverpool lies very, very deeply in his heart, he was a big fan of them throughout the campaign [last season].

The chance to work under Jurgen Klopp again is thought to be tempting for Coutinho (John Powell)

"He was wishing for them to win the title and he has a very strong affinity there so I think it will be very difficult for him to go to a direct competitor of Liverpool from a personal standpoint."

However, Joorabchian said in an interview with The Telegraph that Coutinho was not leaving Barcelona.

He said: "I was told they have no intention of selling him, that Barcelona have not spoken to anyone and that stories to the contrary are simply not true.

Coutinho's agent Kia Joorabchian said his client is staying (AFP)

"I will not let people talk about Philippe and put him down because for one-and-a-half years we have said nothing.

"I won't let them do that and all of us in Philippe's camp will not let that happen because Barcelona have told us he is staying."