Veratti's U- Turn

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has performed a transfer U-turn and apologised to the club, proclaiming his happiness at the Parc des Princes following speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona. Meanwhile, Liverpool are reportedly open to selling Philippe Coutinho on two conditions.

PSG posted footage of an interview with Verratti, who apologised to the club following comments from his agent, Donato Di Campli, who suggested his client was a "prisoner" in Paris, per Italian daily Corriere dello Sport (h/t Marca):

The reverse came after weeks of rumours associating the Italy midfielder with a move to the Camp Nou, not to mention reports that Verratti met with Barca officials in Ibiza last month to hold talks, per Sport (h/t The Sun's Anthony Chapman).

Verratti wanted the move himself earlier this week, per Sport, although the public approach now looks to have blown up for the Catalan club:

Verratti, 24, was being touted as an eventual successor for the ageing Andres Iniesta, 33, but PSG are in no rush to sell considering their star's contract runs until 2021.

The saga has been a surprisingly open one for such a high-profile move, but football writer Roy Nemer didn't feel the affair reflected well on either club:

He stated - "The fact that PSG had to release a video of Verratti staying is embarassing for both Barcelona and PSG. Like 2 guys fighting over a girl."