Thomas Muller scuppered Philippe Coutinho’s plans of joining Barcelona

Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller is reported to have snubbed advances from Liverpool during the recently concluded transfer window. The Germany international was in-and-out of the starting lineup under Carlo Ancelotti during the previous campaign, and this has led to suggestions that he could end his long-term association with Bavarian outfit.

According to SportBild, the 28-year-old is said to have influenced the Reds’ decision to keep Philippe Coutinho after he refused to enter into negotiations with the Merseyside outfit.

Coutinho’s desire to join Barcelona was a widespread story in the summer after the Brazilian handed in a transfer request in order to push through a move. However, things did not go his way after the Reds turned down multiple bids of above £100m to keep hold of his services.

The 25-year-old has since not looked in the best of shape in the games against Burnley and Leicester City (League Cup) but Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that his attacker returns to his old self as the season goes along.

Meanwhile, Muller had an average season by his standards last term as he managed just nine goals for Bayern Munich. For any other forward, such stats would be appreciable, but the German has hit his own heights by scoring over 20 goals in each of his previous four seasons in Bavaria.

Liverpool suffered a damaging 2-0 defeat against Leicester City in the third round of the League Cup on Tuesday night, and this has extended their recent winless streak to four games.

Nevertheless, the Merseysiders will get the chance to avenge their defeat this weekend as they once again travel to the King Power Stadium to take on the Foxes in the Premier League.

Without the influence of Sadio Mane (suspension), the Reds have failed to find an outcome to their forward-minded play and Klopp will hope to solve the rut at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Image – Getty