BARCELONA, August 11 (Reuters): Barcelona's plans to sign Philippe Coutinho to fill the void left by the departure of Neymar appear to be dead in the water after Liverpool released a statement on Friday announcing they will not sell the Brazilian playmaker at any price.
British media reported on Thursday that Liverpool had rejected a second bid worth 100 million euros ($117 million) from Barcelona, who had already been rebuffed last month in an 80 million euro offer for the 25-year-old.
"We wish to offer clarity as regards our position on a possible transfer of Philippe Coutinho," said a statement from Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group on the Merseyside club's official website.
"The club's definitive stance is that no offers for Philippe will be considered and he will remain a member of Liverpool Football Club when the summer window closes."
It is the first time Liverpool's owners have commented on Barcelona's proposed bid for Coutinho, after coach Juergen Klopp repeatedly insisted the Brazilian was not for sale.
Klopp told reporters on Friday that Coutinho would miss Liverpool's opening Premier League game against Watford on Saturday because of a back injury and is doubtful for Tuesday's Champions League qualifier first leg in Hoffenheim.
Klopp said Coutinho had not trained for a week since sustaining his injury.
"No he's not available. He's not been in training since last Friday. He's a doubt for Tuesday unfortunately," he said.
Klopp was asked by reporters about Coutinho's position at the club given persistent media reports that the midfielder would like to move to Barcelona.
"I can't keep players happy, if you are not happy you won't be if I say be happy. It's not about this at the moment. For me the bigger issue is that he is unable to play," he said.
Coutinho's situation has dominated the lead-up to Liverpool's opening game at Vicarage Road, with Klopp consistently stating that the midfielder will remain at the club.
Coutinho is one of four Liverpool players, along with Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne and Daniel Sturridge, who will miss the Watford game through injury although Klopp said Sturridge should be fit for Hoffenheim.
The statement on Coutinho from Liverpool's owners is the latest blow for Barcelona in their plans to rebuild their squad after Neymar's move to Paris St Germain for 222 million euros weakened their attack.
Barca have also attempted to lure French forward Ousmane Dembele to the club from Borussia Dortmund but had their bid, reported by German media to be around 100 million euros, rejected by the Bundesliga side.
The Catalans, who only managed to win the King's Cup last season in a disappointing campaign, face Liga champions Real Madrid on Sunday in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup.
