LeBron James has reportedly urged Liverpool to sell Philipp Coutinho to Barcelona.
The three-time NBA champion is a minority shareholder in the Anfield club but is claimed to have weighed into the debate surrounding Coutinho’s future.
Coutinho submitted a transfer request to the Reds’ hierarchy in efforts to force through a move to the Nou Camp following a succession of failed bids.
A third bid was rejected by club owners Fenway Sports Group last week as they maintained that the Brazil international was not for sale at any price.
But Mundo Deportivo allege that James has since urged Liverpool’s American backers to open discussions to facilitate Coutinho’s departure.
According to the Spanish newspaper, the Cleveland Cavaliers star attempted to ramp up pressure by sharing a photo on Instagram in a Barcelona shirt.
However James’ post appeared aimed more towards Golden State Warriors rival Steph Curry, who recently sported a Paris Saint-Germain shirt.
James’ links with Barcelona are still well-documented as a visitor to first-team training sessions at the club’s Ciutat Esportiva training base in 2013.
Coutinho has missed the start of Liverpool’s season through a combination of a back injury and illness.