Philippe Coutinho has insisted he is happy with life at Liverpool, but he is waiting for them to sanction his move to Barcelona in January.

The Brazilian international was denied a summer switch to the Catalan giants – but they are ready to come back, knowing that the 25-year-old wants to seal the deal.

Football INDEX Watch – PHILIPPE COUTINHO– Over £5 and very much in the top-ten of the INDEX

Speaking publicly, Coutinho – who saw a transfer request rejected in the summer – insists he is happy with life.

“I’m playing in one of the biggest leagues in the world,” said Coutinho, who is currently on international duty with Brazil.

“I’m always happy. But now it’s important to concentrate on the national team. At the moment I am very happy with my life.”

I have been told that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will have the final say on whether the club will allow Coutinho to leave in January, but the player’s camp are optimistic that the deal will go through.

Bookmakers are currently going with Liverpool in terms of who they feel will be Coutinho’s club once the January transfer market has closed.

“It sounds like Coutinho is staying put at Liverpool – as the odds on a January switch to Barcelona have lengthened to 3/1,” said PaddyPower spokesman Lee Price.

“Though the magic Brazilian is now odds-on to remain at Anfield for the rest of the season, I wouldn’t get too giddy, Reds fans – the summer window is surely the perfect time for a Nou start.”