Philippe Coutinho has reportedly informed Liverpool that he wants to join Barcelona this summer and has handed in an official transfer request.
The 25-year-old recently emerged as the Catalan giants' top target to fill the void left by superstar forward Neymar, who left for Paris Saint-Germain in a £200m transfer last week.
Liverpool have been reluctant to listen to any offers from Barcelona, knocking back their first two bids - the second supposedly worth more than £90m with add-onds.
Jurgen Klopp's no-sale stance was backed by the club's Fenway Sports Group owners on Friday morning, with the Americans warning Barca off making a fresh approach in the remaining weeks of the window.
According to Sky Sports News, though, the Brazil international has now taken the first step towards pushing through a move to Camp Nou by telling the club that he wants to leave.
Coutinho will play no part in Liverpool's opening Premier League fixture against Watford on Saturday due to a niggling back injury, which has also made him doubtful to face Hoffenheim in next week's Champions League qualifier.
Daniel Lewis
