Jürgen Klopp says Liverpool will resist any attempt by Barcelona to sign Philippe Coutinho this summer as he looks to bolster his squad rather than lose his star player.

Catalan media continue to promote Coutinho as a prime target for the La Liga superpower, claiming that they have been quoted in the region of £70 million to complete a transfer.

Liverpool are adamant they have not even entertained the idea of a sale, let alone set a price. Coutinho has no clause in the deal he signed earlier this season, although Klopp has attempted to fend off any bid by joking that a “£400 million” price tag has been put in the midfielder’s contract.

The Merseyside club know from recent history the difficulties of retaining prized assets should Barcelona or Real Madrid make a move but Klopp does not believe he will lose any of his main men at the end of the season.

“When did he sign his new contract?” said Klopp, when asked about the latest Coutinho speculation. When reminded it was January, Klopp added: “With a £400 million clause!