Philippe Coutinho admits he was 'interested' by Barcelona offer

• Phillipe Coutinho admits he wanted to join Barcelona this summer
• Liverpool turned down four official bids from Barcelona for the Brazilian
• He even handed in a transfer request to force through the move
• The play maker says he is only focused on Liverpool this season

​Philippe Coutinho says he was "interested" in moving to Barcelona this summer, but has now turned his attention to performing for Liverpool.

Over the summer Coutinho handed in a transfer request amid interest fromBarcelona after it became clear Jurgen Klopp's side did not want to sell him.

"I was interested by the offer but now my focus is on having a good season with Liverpool and with the national team," the 25-year-old told ​ESPN Brasil.

"It’s an honour to receive an offer from this club [Barcelona] but it is also an honour playing for Liverpool, I’ve always respected the club and the supporters."

The Reds refused to sell Brazilian Coutinho despite the Spanish side offering as much as £138m with as many as four bid which were all rejected.

Meanwhile, Barca are monitoring the progress of winger Saido Mane after failing to sign Coutinho this summer.

Ernesto Valderde's side believe that they may have more success if they turn their attentions to the Senegalese.