Tottenham transfer news: Gerard Pique wants to see Philippe Coutinho stay put at Barcelona

Gerard Pique wants to see Philippe Coutinho stay put at Barcelona but admitted that the Brazilian’s happiness takes priority as he considers a loan move to the Premier League.

Coutinho has been given the green light to leave the Nou Camp for the upcoming season as Barcelona look to free up funds to make a move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar.

Both Tottenham and Arsenal have been linked with the 27-year-old, who has struggled to make an impression in Catalonia since arriving in January 2018.

Although Pique would prefer his teammate to remain at Barcelona, he said the final decision rests in Coutinho’s hands.

“I want him (Coutinho) to stay, but at the end of the day it’s what he wants and I want him to be happy,” Pique said.

“Let’s see. Until the last day of the transfer market we will not know if he stays or not. But it’s not my decision, it’s the club’s and Philippe’s.”

Former club Liverpool have distanced themselves from bringing Coutinho back to Anfield. Last month manager Jurgen Klopp said the club wouldn’t be looking to re-sign the forward, explaining it is not the year for a “big-money” transfer.

As for Barcelona’s pursuit of Neymar, it remains to be seen whether a deal will be secured in time ahead of the close of the European transfer window.

Speaking in Miami, Pique added: “Of course I talk to him, but he has to be the one to speak out.

“We have private conversations and I don’t think it’s correct to talk about them here. He’s a star on and off the pitch. We hope something will happen. He is a great player, who knows the dressing room, the city and the club.

“I am convinced that there are many people [at the club] who were very happy with his output. I know that it would be a very complicated operation, that he plays for PSG and that we have a great squad that can challenge for every trophy.

“You already know about my relationship with Ney and we would be happy to have him here [but] he plays for PSG and my opinion doesn’t change anything.”