It’s only January 2 and Liverpool fans are already wishing for the January transfer window to shut.

They’ve already done their business by finally signing Virgil van Dijk for £75 million but now it seems to be a case of holding onto their star player - Philippe Coutinho.

Nike certainly haven’t helped matters by telling fans they can buy Barcelona shirts with Coutinho’s name on the back, suggesting the ‘Magician will light up the Camp Nou.’

Last summer, Liverpool stood firm and refused the Brazilian his dream move to Barcelona.

But with the Catalan club desperate to sign the midfielder once again in January, it’s going to be very difficult for them to come out on top once again.

LIVERPOOL'S OFFER TO COUTINHO

But they’re doing their very best to keep him, it seems.

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool have made a last-ditch effort to convince him to stay at the club.

They report that Jurgen Klopp has offered Coutinho a brand new contract with the promise of permanent captaincy at Anfield, taking over from Jordan Henderson.

COUTINHO'S REPLY

But Coutinho didn’t need long to reply.

He reportedly said: “Thanks for the interest and affection” before reiterating his desire to leave the club and join Barca.

Oh dear.

Liverpool fans were fearing the worst when Coutinho was left out of the matchday squad for their trip to Burnley on New Year's Day - especially as it came just days after Nike’s ‘revelation'.

But the club and Klopp insisted it was due to a muscular injury that could also see him ruled out of the FA Cup clash against Everton on Friday.

Of course, Coutinho was also ‘injured’ at the start of the season during the initial saga with Barcelona with him complaining of back pain.

Until the January transfer window slams shut, Liverpool fans won’t be able to stop worrying.

Whether it will slam shut with Coutinho as a Barcelona or Liverpool player remains to be seen.