Coutinho’s Barcelona desire remains as he refuses to commit to Reds

Philippe Coutinho blasted a 46-minute hat-trick in the white-hot Anfield atmosphere last night, but still refused to rule out a move away from Liverpool.

Coutinho was in scintillating form as he scored the first, second and fifth goals in Liverpool’s 7-0 Champions League romps past Spartak Moscow.

And it did not got unnoticed on Twitter that the 25-year-old Brazilian barely raised a smile. The romantic fans in The Kop would have been hoping their talisman, who skippered the side, might well have pledged his future to the club after such a showing from the players and fans alike.

Coutinho though chose his words carefully and reiterated that his desire was to move to Barcelona in the summer.

“I do not know how the future is going to be,” said Coutinho.

“What will happen in January, we will know it in January. I do not know if there will be an offer. I am at Liverpool and I always do my best when I have the opportunity to play, respecting the jersey and the supporters.

“Last summer there was a job offer in the same way that happens with any employee and I was interested in it. Since I stayed, I have played with will and desire.

“It was a special night due to the result and because I had the armband in such an important game playing for a club like Liverpool.”

It appears Coutinho’s desire to move to Barcelona in January is as strong as it was when he handed in a transfer request in August, even though he will be cup-tied in the Champions League.

The Catalans made three bids to sign Coutinho in August, but Liverpool held firm and refused to sell the midfielder, however Barca are rumoured to be hovering and ready to make another move for the player next month.

And Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas, who spent three seasons with the La Liga giants, believes the Brazilian would be a good fit for the La Liga leaders.

“I think he’s a great player. I see Barca’s style, the truth is that it has the level. From where I see it, he is more comfortable inside, but the good thing about this player is that he can play in several positions. Being versatile is also important,” Fabregas told TV3, via Mundo Deportivo.