Liverpool to snub Barca bid for Coutinho

Liverpool have made it clear to Barcelona that Philippe Coutinho is not for sale at any price after the Spanish giants made their widely expected move for the Brazilian.

Barca have indicated they will pay £72million in an effort to lure Coutinho to the Nou Camp, but the Merseyside club will reject all bids.

Liverpool will hold firm in their resolve to retain the 25-year-old, who is fundamental to Jurgen Klopp’s ambitions this season. The club’s position is that no circumstances will force them to part company with the player.

When quizzed on Coutinho’s future at the end of last season, after the immminent offer was reported in Spain, Jurgen Klopp said: “When did he sign his new contract?” When reminded Coutinho signed new terms in January, Klopp added: “With a £400million clause!

“There are absolutely no plans [to sell him]. Our owners say there is the opportunity not to sell anybody if we do not want to. That means we can bring in other players. We have a stable squad with a good basis. We want to bring a few in with fresh blood but nobody will leave us without our say, so I am completely relaxed about this.”

Liverpool are determined to ensure history does not repeat itself as each of their most encouraging recent campaigns have ended with the loss of their most prized asset. In 2009, after they finished runners-up in the Premier League, they were forced into selling Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid. Then in 2014, Brendan Rodgers’ reign rapidly deteriorated when Luis Suarez left for Barcelona and a new rebuilding job began.

To lose Coutinho would be debilitating given his important to Klopp’s style of football. Speaking earlier this week in Hong Kong – where Liverpool are playing in the Asia Trophy – Klopp said retaining players was even more important than adding to his squad.

Liverpool are expected to confirm the £10million signing of Andrew Robertson today. The Scottish international underwent a medical yesterday after leaving Hull City.