Liverpool's owners have assured Barcelona they can sign Philippe Coutinho today - but there's a catch.

Barca will work until Friday night's Spanish transfer deadline to close an agreement for the Brazil international.

FSG, Liverpool's owners, are prepared to sell Coutinho today - but will insist the midfielder not leave until after next year's Russian World Cup.

Sport says FSG sources insist they want to set up a deal similar to what was arranged between Liverpool and RB Leipzig for Naby Keita. They're open to striking terms now, but with Coutinho only leaving next summer.

Contrary to some reports, the relationship between the two clubs remains positive and communication lines will remain open this morning to resume negotiations.