• Owners say we do not have to sell anybody if we do not want to, says manager • Reports in Spain claimed informal talks had taken place over £76m transfer

Jürgen Klopp has said Liverpool have no intention of selling Philippe Coutinho and described himself as “completely relaxed” over the Brazilian being linked with Barcelona.

Liverpool’s influential playmaker is a reported target for the 2015-16 La Liga champions, with reports in Spain this week claiming informal talks had taken place over a £76m transfer. On Monday Coutinho appeared to distance himself from a move to the Camp Nou when he told an awards dinner that his ambition was to win trophies with Liverpool.

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Now Klopp has reiterated Liverpool’s plan to keep the 24-year-old, insisting he does not have to sell any player against his wishes and that the five-year contract Coutinho signed in January – one that does not contain a buyout clause – gives the club control over the player’s immediate future. “When did he sign his new contract? So that would be a nice idea [to sell him],” the Liverpool manager said, sarcastically, when asked about Barcelona’s reported interest. “With a £400m clause,” he joked.

“There are absolutely no plans. What our owners say is there is the absolute opportunity not to sell anybody if we do not want to. That means we can bring in others players and it is a good situation. We have a stable squad with a good basis. We want to bring a few in with fresh blood but nobody will leave us without our say, so I am completely relaxed about this.”

Klopp should have Sadio Mané available for pre-season preparations after the Senegal forward confirmed his recovery from knee surgery is on schedule and he may resume running next week. Mané has been out since sustaining the injury against Everton on 1 April and underwent surgery in London 10 days later.

“It’s getting better, much better,” he said. “The operation went well. Soon I will be running again and I should be fine for the start of pre-season. Every player wants to play every game but injuries are part of football and I just have to accept it. It’s frustrating being out and having to watch but my team-mates are still doing a great job on the pitch.

“I am very confident that they will get the points we need from the final two matches to get us in the top four. We have a great manager and he knows what is required. We all want to get this club into the Champions League.”

Mané was named players’ player of the year and supporters’ player of the year at the end-of-season awards ceremony on Tuesday, reflecting an excellent debut season at Anfield having arrived in a £34m deal from Southampton last summer.

“It means so much to me – I feel at home at this club and in this city,” the 25-year-old said. “I have enjoyed playing football for this great team. It was the fact that I’m playing alongside so many great players here that meant I was able to settle so quickly. My team-mates, the staff, the manager and the supporters have all made me feel so welcome since I joined the club. I have loved every minute of playing for Liverpool this season and can’t wait to get back fit to help the team again.”