Odds of Barcelona signing Liverpool star Coutinho shorten

The next seven days for Liverpool fans are bound to be nerve-wracking as the future of Philippe Coutinho remains uncertain.

The odds of Barcelona nabbing the Brazilian’s signature have shortened, suggesting that the Catalan giants have not yet given up on their top target.

The Independent reported earlier this week that the 25-year-old was prepared to hold clear-the-air talks with Liverpool after accepting that his desired switch to the Camp Nou looked unlikely.

It is believed that the Reds, who have publicly stated a handful of times that Coutinho is not for sale, rejected three bids from the Spanish giants.

The majority of media outlets suggested that a deal was dead in the water, but on Wednesday, Sky Sports claimed that the Catalan club were preparing to table a fourth offer in the region of £138m.

The broadcaster stated that Barcelona are willing to pay £101m up front, with a further £37m agreed in add-ons, which are Champions League related.

The topsy-turvy transfer saga has affected the betting market, with Sky Bet shortening its odds to 6/4 on Barcelona getting their man.

Liverpool still remain favourites to keep Coutinho, though, with Betfred offering 1/3 on the playmaker staying put for the season.

The former Inter Milan star is yet to play for Jurgen Klopp’s team since the campaign got underway.

The creative player has missed all four games of the season, including both legs of Liverpool’s Champions League qualifier against Hoffenheim, which the Merseyside outfit won 6-3 on aggregate.