Philippe Coutinho's agent has admitted the player's Barcelona future is unclear but that it would be "very difficult" for him to join a club like Manchester United.
The former Liverpool playmaker has endured a tough time since making the switch to Camp Nou and has been linked with a move away already — with United named as a potential suitor.
MEN Sport understands a transfer for Coutinho is implausible, however, and his agent Kia Joorabchian has seemingly confirmed that it's almost impossible the ex-Anfield star would come to Old Trafford.
“The information from Barcelona is rather mixed,” Joorabchian told Sky Sports News.
“We had a meeting last week with the president (Josep) Bartomeu and other directors, and they told us he was absolutely not for sale, that they have never spoken about the boy leaving, that they had never offered him to any club.
“Although there is a guy that works for them called Andre Cury, who apparently has been touting him about — but the president has told us he is categorically not for sale."
Barcelona have already secured Antoine Griezmann for £107million and been linked with a mega-money move for Neymar, throwing Coutinho's future at the La Liga giants into doubt.
But joining a former rival of Liverpool is virtually out of the question, Joorabchian confirmed when asked where — if he leaves — could Old Trafford be a potential destination for the Brazilian. The 27-year-old played six games for his country en route to Brazil's Copa America victory this summer, scoring twice.
"I think Liverpool lies very, very deeply in his heart," added his agent. "He was a big fan of them throughout the campaign (last season).
"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."
