Barca told to cease Cout hunt

refused to back down when Coutinho handed in a transfer request in an effort to force a departure.

Reports in Spain claim that Barcelona are preparing to test Liverpool’s resolve again when the transfer window opens in January. And that Coutinho is once again ready to make his discontent clear after staying in touch with officials of the La Liga club.

But Liverpool are adamant that they will not crumble.

Jurgen Klopp does not want to sell the 25-year-old – and has the full backing of the club’s principal owner John W Henry.

Coutinho is less than 12 months into a five-year contract worth £150,000a-week.

He missed the first six games of the season with a mystery back injury. But there has been no sign of him sulking since he returned – he has scored in each of his last three appearances.

He will have to maintain standards if he wants to a place in Brazil’s team at next summer’s World Cup.

BA: free from West Ham CISSE: £10m from Freiburg MARVEAUX: Rennes, free SANTON: £5.3m from Inter Milan SISSOKO: £2m from Toulouse