While it’s not a massive surprise that Barcelona have been heavily pursuing Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho, perhaps Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp would have hoped that the saga didn’t drag on when the Premier League season kicked off.

With around two weeks remaining until the transfer window slams shut, both Klopp and the Anfield faithful will be waiting nervously to see how it all unfolds, as the Brazil international has handed in his transfer request – but the American owners have no intention of selling, regardless of how much money they throw at them.

BARCA INTEREST

Considering the Blaugrana received €222 million from Paris Saint-Germain when they signed Neymar, it’s safe to assume that they won’t be giving up anytime soon with speculation suggesting that the Camp Nou side’s third offer could see them bid well over £100 million.

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The Reds probably don’t have much time to sign a top-quality replacement – if the 25-year-old does make an exit – and might be living in the hope that they can at least get one more year out of him before he leaves.

However, the German boss has admitted that he doesn’t see why any player would want to leave the club; claiming that being a part of Liverpool’s future should satisfy the ambitions of any player in the squad.

According to Mirror Football, Klopp said: “For each player, Liverpool is a very good club — a very good team at the moment.

EXPECTATIONS

"We have a good age range in the squad. We have very young boys and experience. It’s a good mix and we are on our way.

“I think we got rid of the expectations of 20 years ago and created our own expectations for all the people.

"They expect a lot from us after what we did last season. I am fine with the situation and am very positive about the project of Liverpool.

“I don’t see a lot of reasons for a player to leave the club.”

Klopp’s comments come after Barca’s general manager Pep Segura claiming the Catalan side are close to signing both Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund, which isn’t the case.

After hearing his comments, the Reds’ boss didn’t hide his disdain for Segura, adding: “I don’t know why other people are saying what they are saying; I don’t even know them — especially this guy, I’ve never even met him.”

With Liverpool back in the Champions League, Klopp knows that keeping a player of Coutinho’s calibre will be crucial in competing for silverware this season, and you can’t help but feel that it’s also a subtle message for Coutinho that his current employers can fulfil his lofty ambitions.

Will Barcelona sign Philippe Coutinho this season? Have YOUR say in the comments section below.

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