Liverpool and Barcelona are currently at a standoff over Coutinho, with the Reds refusing to grant the player permission to leave.

Barcelona have seen three bids - the latest thought to be worth £118million - rejected by Liverpool.

But they are not giving up hope on a deal.

And Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claim Liverpool shareholder James has waded into the transfer saga.

According to the remarkable report, James has asked Liverpool’s American owners Fenway Sports Group to give up the battle for Coutinho and sell him before Thursday’s transfer deadline.