Philippe Coutinho: Liverpool reportedly puts $217 million price tag on midfielder

Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Liverpool has reportedly set the price at $217 million for teams interested in acquiring midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

Onda Cena Radio reported the fee on Monday. Coutinho remains the subject of transfer rumors to La Liga power FC Barcelona. Liverpool rejected three previous offers for the midfielder this summer from Barcelona.

The $217 million asking price would be the second-highest transfer fee all time for a soccer player. Paris Saint-Germain paid Barcelona $265 million for Neymar last year.

Barcelona has launched a $180 million bid for the Brazilian star, according to multiple reports. Coutinho, 25, did not play in Liverpool's 2-1 win against Burnley FC Monday at Turf Moor in Burnley, England. The absence came one day after the Nike UK website mistakenly advertised Barcelona gear using Coutinho's name. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said the absence was due to an injury.

"Phil and [Mohamed Salah] are injured, not massively but enough for today [to be] no chance," Klopp told the team website. "And [they are] a doubt, at least a doubt, for Everton."

Coutinho has 12 goals and eight assists this season. The January transfer window in European leagues opened on Monday and closes at 11 p.m. on Jan. 31.

Various sources told Mundo Deportivo that the deal can be closed by the beginning of next week. Mundo Deportivo reported last week that Coutinho has already told "his most trusted people" to find him a home in Barcelona.

Liverpool faces Everton at 2:55 p.m. Friday in the third round of the FA Cup at Anfield in Liverpool, England. Barcelona faces Celta Vigo at 1 p.m. Thursday in Copa del Rey action at Balaidos in Vigo, Spain.