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Valverde hails 'important' Coutinho signing ahead of official Barcelona presentation

Ernesto Valverde hailed the "important" arrival of Philippe Coutinho as Barcelona prepare to present their record signing on Monday.

A deal reported to be worth up to £142 million was announced by Barca on Saturday, with Coutinho agreeing a five-and-a-half-year deal to swap Liverpool for the Camp Nou club.

Coutinho did not appear as Barcelona beat Levante 3-0 on Sunday to move nine points clear at the top of La Liga, with Lionel Messi scoring and providing an assist on his 400th league appearance.

But Valverde is delighted to be welcoming Coutinho to his Barcelona squad, the former Anfield star joining compatriot Paulinho among the club's attacking midfield options.