Man Utd will not land Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona because Liverpool will get cash sum

Barcelona star Coutinho only arrived at the Nou Camp from Liverpool a year ago but, after a mixed 12 months in Catalonia, links to Manchester United have arisen.

Spanish media have claimed the Red Devils have opened talks over a blockbuster deal for the Brazil international.

Coutinho has blown hot and cold for Barcelona since his arrival, with the forward often having to jostle with the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele and Malcom for a

starting berth.

The Manchester Evening News, however, have ruled out Manchester United pursuing the player this winter.

Barcelona paid a huge £142m to sign him from Liverpool a year ago, such was their confidence he would improve Ernesto Valverde’s side.

And Liverpool, the report claims, are actually one of the reasons United will not be pursuing a deal.

It is said the Reds will receive ‘financial benefits’ from any resale.

And United are unlikely to indirectly fund Jurgen Klopp’s side title charge this season.

The MEN say United signing Coutinho also makes little sense from a footballing perspective.

Man Utd players linked:

But things have been different under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has coaxed the best from his current crop of forwards so far.

And Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez have also impressed.

Meanwhile, Barcelona chief Guillermo Armor has ruled out Coutinho leaving the Nou Camp.

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"Coutinho's a player with a lot of experience, one of the best players in Europe and he is ready to play [for] five minutes or 90 minutes,” he said during an interview with Movistar.

"He's a player that thinks more about the team than himself and there are no doubts about him being one of the best players in the world.

“He's always played well for Barca, he could play [every game] from the off.

"Barca signed him because he's one of the best in the world and he's going to give us a lot.

“He's got many years left on his contract and a lot to give to Barcelona."

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