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Liverpool have told Barcelona that they are wasting their time trying to sign Philippe Coutinho this summer.

The La Liga outfit have stepped up their interest in the Brazil international by tabling an opening bid of 80million Euros (£72million).

However, the ECHO understands that was instantly rejected and the Reds remain adamant that Coutinho is not for sale at any price.

Jurgen Klopp views the gifted 25-year-old attacker as key to his vision for the club and is building a team around him.

Coutinho only signed a new five-year contract back in January worth £150,000 per week and there is no release clause.

(Image: James Maloney)

When that deal was signed Klopp hailed him as “truly world class” and the manager is convinced that Coutinho is happy and settled at Liverpool.

Speaking in Hong Kong earlier this week, Klopp said: “The main thing I think about is how we can make the next step with the players we had last season.

“The good news is that actually we didn’t lose - and we will not lose - a player we want to keep this summer. That’s the best news actually and then we’ll see who can bring into the squad.”

Coutinho, who scored 14 goals in all competitions last season, is close friends with Luis Suarez , who made the move from Liverpool to Barcelona three years ago.

However, he has always played down speculation linking him with the Camp Nou.

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“Stay here and they will end up building a statue in your honour," Coutinho said back in May.

“Go somewhere else, to Barcelona, to Bayern Munich, to Real Madrid, and you will be just another player. Here you can be something more. I have a long contract with Liverpool.”

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