If Jurgen Klopp hasn't got enough on his plate trying to teach Liverpool to defend set pieces properly, he's also having to deal with Philippe Coutinho.

Barcelona's interest in the playmaker is quickly turning into a saga.

The Blaugrana have already seen two bids - worth £72million and £90m - rejected for the Brazil international.

The Reds are doing their best to stand their ground, but it's going to be very difficult to keep him - especially as he has clearly set his heart on a move to the Nou Camp.

Earlier this week, things threatened to turn hostile when the 25-year-old handed in a formal transfer request.

It's perfectly understandable that Coutinho has jumped at the chance to replace Neymar at Barca, as the opportunity to win regular silverware and play alongside Lionel Messi is just too good to turn down.

Yet, at the same time, he only signed a new five-year contract with Liverpool in January.

Loyalty is a rare trait among modern footballers. Steven Gerrard, who epitomises the word more than most, spoke on BT Sport about the Coutinho situation a few hours after Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Watford, and he's explained exactly why he feels the midfielder needs to stay at Anfield.

Gerrard urges Coutinho 

“I know the kid, I know he's not a bad person, I know he doesn't want to cause a war to come out. But at the end of the day he's just signed a five-year deal, the club have been superb to him and made him the player he is,” he explained, quoted via Goal.

"You remember he was struggling at Inter. We gave him the chance, we built this player up. The least he can do is give the club another year."

Gerrard seemed surprised by Coutinho's actions this week, but he suggested that Barca's tactics are to blame.

"The problem here are Barcelona, because they will be saying to Coutinho's representatives: 'It's now or never. If he doesn't come now, we're never coming back for him ever again.' So they're piling the pressure on and that's why Philippe's reacted.

"This kid who's come from South America has always had a dream of playing for Barcelona, and he's panicking thinking that if he doesn't do it now it'll never happen again."

The sales of Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling, and Fernando Torres in recent years suggest that when the top clubs come calling, Liverpool usually cave, but their fans are desperate for that not to happen this time around.

Does Coutinho owe Liverpool one more year? Have your say in the comments.