Philippe Coutinho would have jumped at the opportunity to return to Liverpool.



When it became apparent that Barcelona were looking to off-load him last month, the Brazilian’s representatives made it clear that Anfield was his destination of choice.



Why wouldn’t it be? After all, it was under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp that Coutinho took the leap from promising talent to elite performer before forcing through a £142 million move to the Nou Camp in January 2018.



The prospect of being reunited with the European champions after his dream in Catalonia had turned into a nightmare was enticing. Coutinho remains close friends with Roberto Firmino having been best man at the striker’s wedding two years ago.



However, the dialogue between the parties didn’t last long. It was a non-starter. Liverpool swiftly made it clear they wouldn’t be interested in what was on the table – an expensive season-long loan with the...