Earlier in the season, Philippe looked destined to follow the recent trend at Anfield: push Liverpool close to a league title before packing his bags to take part in El Clasico the following season. Xabi Alonso did it in 2008/09, and Luis Suarez did in 2013/14. It looked like Coutinho would follow suit: he changed his agent - now represented by Kia Joorabchian - and there were reports in the Spanish press linking with the Brazilian with a move to the Nou Camp, backed up by a ringing endorsements by Xavi and Ronaldinho.
Coutinho's injury in November, and subsequent six-week absence has seen that push for the title perish, however, but according to reports tonight, Coutinho has decided to ignore that interest from Barcelona and to commit his long-term future to Liverpool by signing a new, five-year contract with the club.
Per the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce, talks are progressing well between Joorabchain and Liverpool, with the report stating that the club are confident of Coutinho signing a new, five-year deal in the coming weeks.
Liverpool fans still feeling jilted by Luis Suarez - who signed a contract extension at Liverpool mainly to set in stone a release clause that Barcelona could trigger - can relax per the Echo's report, as it states that there is no release clause in Coutinho's new contract.
Coutinho should be fit for tomorrow night's EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Southampton, opponents who may be depleted at the back, as totemic defender Virgil Van Dijk is set to miss out through injury.
Elsewhere, the Echo have also rubbished reports that Liverpool are interested in signing Portuguese midfielder William Carvalho, although there is definite interest in German winger Julian Brandt, although a move next summer looks most likely.
