Jurgen Klopp has so far made his stance on Philippe Coutinho's future pretty clear.

Given the Liverpool manager just signed Virgil van Dijk for a world-record £75 million - for a defender anyway - there was talk of him needing to balance the books.

But that's not the case. According to Klopp, he's been told by Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, that Coutinho doesn't need to be sold to raise funds.

"No, nobody told me that [I would have to sell Coutinho]," Klopp said on Friday. "We have good players and we don't have to sell anybody because of that.

"So fair play to our owners that they are ambitious."

Great news for Liverpool fans, but the Times' Paul Joyce has speculated there is a reason why Klopp hasn't completely ruled out Coutinho leaving for Barcelona next month.

Klopp claims he doesn't feel a need to sell but, unlike in the summer transfer window, he hasn't yet said he won't be selling under any circumstances.

And Joyce, who is renowned for his work on Liverpool, believes that's because he doesn't want to create any unnecessary negativity and hamper Coutinho's current form.

Joyce writes:

"Given Coutinho wants to move to Barcelona next month, it is perhaps understandable Liverpool have not publicly ruled out his departure for fear of provoking a negative response from the Brazilian, who has scored seven goals this month."

Makes sense. Coutinho is enjoying arguably his best season for Liverpool since signing four years ago from Inter Milan and Klopp doesn't want to ruin that.

Klopp is well aware of Coutinho's desire to join Barcelona and a move seems inevitable, so he may as well make the most of the Brazil international while he's still at Anfield.

It's a sad reality for Liverpool, but the future still looks bright following the signing of Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah's arrival in June.

Furthermore, with Emre Can also eyeing a move to Juventus, Leon Goretzka is reportedly close to agreeing a free transfer from Schalke 04 next summer.